Maison Melba

Maison Melba, 2023, Frelighsburg, QC

Maison Melba is a project of the heart that looks towards an optimistic future.

The project's design is based on sensitivity to details and the passive-house expertise of the architects, resulting in a project where beauty is in harmony with performance.

Inside the house, the open plan is softly punctuated by furniture. The atmosphere is calm and warm.

The sequence of spaces is composed of small moments conducive to the appreciation of materials, details, and nature.

An exemplary air tightness rating of 0.37 ACH at 50Pa gives the building exceptional energy efficiency performance. With this technical rigor, Maison Melba will be part of the Frelighsburg landscape for many decades to come.

Beneath a high skylight, the local natural stone floor extends the landscaping indoors to create a transitional space between the house and the creative areas.

On the workshop side, industrial-grade materials in neutral colors blend subtly into a bright canvas that invites collaboration and creativity.

PassivHaus certified triple-glazed windows complete the envelope and promote passive-solar principles.

A new double-stud wall structure was built within the existing skeleton to allow for increased insulation thickness, while reducing thermal bridges. These new thick walls, reminiscent of ancient constructions, are filled with cellulose fiber, a natural insulation material made from recycled paper.

L'Abri’s design vision is based on the fundamental and necessary balance between beauty, utility, and durability in order to deliver truly timeless architecture.

The exterior of the building wears a noble and timeless look that blends with the countryside. Beneath the large weeping willow tree, the long horizontal structure of the former garage will age quietly in the landscape of native plants.

TypeHome, Work and culture

LocationFrelighsburg, QC

Year2023

TeamPia Hocheneder, Vincent Pasquier, Nicolas Lapierre, Francis Martel-Labrecque

ConstructionModulor

CertificationLEED Platinum

PhotoAlex Lesage

Nestled along a small path leading to Vermont is Maison Melba, a space for living, creating, and gathering, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the landscape and the rustic heritage of the village of Frelighsburg, in the Eastern Townships.

Anchored in preservation and sustainability, this unique architectural project tells a story: that of the sensitive and sustainable renovation of a rural building nestled in the heart of the meadows and orchards emblematic of this agricultural region of southern Quebec. Embodying the new owner's values of sharing and hospitality, the former 1970s automobile garage has been transformed into a living space that is open to the community and the development of collaborative projects.

Inspired by the fertile ecosystem of Frelighsburg, Maison Melba now houses a residence, a work studio, a workshop, and a culinary production and meeting space. Outside, the small plot of land also includes a greenhouse, and a garden dedicated to small-scale vegetable production, with the majority of food production to be consumed or processed on-site.

The timeless architecture of Maison Melba reflects the vision and values. The project's design is based on sensitivity to details and the passive-house expertise of the architects, resulting in a project where beauty is in harmony with performance.