A House Perched On A Steep Slope Captures The Beauty Of The Rivière

Located in the Petite-Rivière-Saint-François region of Canada, this residence designed by Thellend Fortin Architectes and completed in 2017 takes advantage of the amazing views in a way that suits it and suits the topography at the same time. Needless to say that the landscape was the main source of inspiration for the design and overall structure of the house. The inverted floor plan is the result of that. Typically the common and social spaces are situated on the ground floor with easy access outdoors while the private areas are on the upper floors but in this case it’s the other way around.

One side of the house is closed off and most-looking while the other is fully open to the views
One side of the house is closed off and most-looking while the other is fully open to the views
A series of open decks and terraces with glass railings expand the living areas outdoors
A series of open decks and terraces with glass railings expand the living areas outdoors

The house has a concrete base and the bedrooms occupy the bottom floor, being situated at garden level. The living spaces are placed above so they can capture the best views. They have different heights which correspond to different functions. The dining room is particularly interesting. It has three exterior walls, all covered in glass from top to bottom. It welcomes in the views along with lots of natural sunlight. The wood-paneled ceiling balanced the space, creating a warm and comfortable ambiance.

The dining room welcomes panoramic views inside on three sides, featuring glazed exterior walls
The dining room welcomes panoramic views inside on three sides, featuring glazed exterior walls
The majestic landscape and the extraordinary views were the primary source of inspiration for this project
The majestic landscape and the extraordinary views were the primary source of inspiration for this project
The facade of the house is simple and neutral-looking and this helps blend into the surroundings with ease
The facade of the house is simple and neutral-looking and this helps blend into the surroundings with ease
The inverted floor plan places the living spaces at the top of the house
The inverted floor plan places the living spaces at the top of the house
The dining room has an adjacent terrace on one side which makes it feel cozy even though it's framed by glass walls
The dining room has an adjacent terrace on one side which makes it feel cozy even though it’s framed by glass walls
The kitchen is open and very spacious. White and light wood tones give it a very classy appearance
The kitchen is open and very spacious. White and light wood tones give it a very classy appearance
The living room has full-height windows which bring the outdoors in
The living room has full-height windows which bring the outdoors in
Wood-paneled ceilings throughout the house offer a warm and inviting vibe
Wood-paneled ceilings throughout the house offer a warm and inviting vibe
The palette of materials, finishes and colors is simple and inspired by the house's surroundings
The palette of materials, finishes and colors is simple and inspired by the house’s surroundings
The house is built on a steep slope and this played a huge role in its design and structural organization
The house is built on a steep slope and this played a huge role in its design and structural organization
The use of light wood throughout the house balances the cool and austere look of the concrete floors
The use of light wood throughout the house balances the cool and austere look of the concrete floors
The combination of gray and light wood is a very pleasant one with multiple benefits
The combination of gray and light wood is a very pleasant one with multiple benefits
This is the detailed view of the inverted floor plan showing the internal distribution of the functions
This is the detailed view of the inverted floor plan showing the internal distribution of the functions