Melba Pavilion

Melba Pavilion, 2024, Frelighsburg, QC

The Melba Pavilion exemplifies simplicity and elegance through its use of readily available, cost-effective materials.

Nestled among the meadows, the garden pavilion stands as a minimalist wood construction designed to support the site's small-scale vegetable production, which embodies the philosophy of sustainable regeneration and self-sufficiency behind the project Melba.

The essence and dimensions of wood reflect the new exposed structural elements of Maison Melba’s interiors, while the use of galvanized steel panels and polycarbonate translucent roof panels ensures durability and creates a dialogue with the adjacent greenhouse.

Melba Pavilion stands as an homage to traditional details, local craft, and the element of the roof as the prototypical form of shelter.

TypeHome

LocationFrelighsburg, QC

Year2024

TeamPia Hocheneder, Jeth Owen Guerrero, Vincent Pasquier, Nicolas Lapierre, Francis Martel-Labrecque

ConstructionModulor

PhotoAlex Lesage

Atelier L'Abri presents the Melba Pavilion, an integral addition to Maison Melba and the final architectural element of this unique transformation story initiated in 2020 between Simon Desmarais, founder of Maison Melba, and the Montreal based architecture office. Nestled among the meadows, the garden pavilion stands as a minimalist wood construction designed to support the site's small-scale vegetable production which embodies the philosophy of sustainable regeneration and self-sufficiency behind the whole initiative.

Located in the picturesque agricultural landscape and orchards of Frelighsburg, in Southern Québec, Maison Melba is a soon to be LEED Platinum-certified retrofit project that includes a residence, studio, workshop, and culinary production space. The pavilion completes this vision of living and working spaces and serves the outdoor activities that contribute to the ecological autonomy and resilience of the entire site. Completed a year prior, Maison Melba is both a home and a location open to the community to foster the development of collaborative projects.

The small 45m2 structure is placed alongside a greenhouse, facilitating efficient food production and promoting responsible cultivation practices. The landscape design, conceived by local permaculture experts Écomestible, follows principles of ecological, edible, and regenerative landscaping. Resilient native species surround the pavilion and integrate it within its natural environment.