Résidence du Sentier

Located on the edge of a steep cliff in the canton of Potton, Quebec, the Résidence du Sentier is a multigenerational home designed for three adults—including a couple and a nonagenarian—who have decided to grow old together in an environment deeply connected to nature.

One of the project's main challenges lies in its complex topography. Governed by an Architectural Integration and Site Plan for mountainous terrain, the site imposes strict regulations on placement and volume. Instead of resisting these restrictions, the architects use them as a generative force, shaping the house on a narrow natural plateau. The house thus becomes an extension of the land—long and linear—preserving the slope and minimizing its ecological impact.

The house is organized along a north-south axis. The private areas, including three single bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, are grouped to the north, offering each resident autonomy and seclusion. The communal spaces—kitchen, dining room, and living room—open to the south, onto a terrace and an interior garden. These areas are configured in an open plan beneath a cathedral roof, where subtle variations in height and light articulate each function without confining it. A screened-in room, open on all sides, further extends the experience toward the landscape.

The house's architectural language achieves a delicate balance between contemporary refinement and regional continuity. Traditional materials—such as the vertical cladding of eastern white cedar and the steel roof with concealed fixings—are combined with anodized aluminum joinery and minimalist details. The palette is restrained, tactile, and enduring, allowing the surrounding landscape to take center stage. The result is an architecture of elegant discretion, where nothing is superfluous and every element contributes to the living experience.

Temporary architectural interventions within the structure prioritize the use of recycled or reusable materials, with the aim of minimizing waste. The cross-laminated timber panels used in the construction of the main hall allow for quick and precise assembly, guarantee adequate thermal and acoustic conditions, and can be disassembled and reused in future construction.

This project also stands out for its programmatic innovation. Few housing options envision the voluntary cohabitation of three unrelated adults—and even fewer actively involve them in the design process. Developed through close collaboration with its future residents and in dialogue with municipal authorities, the project successfully reconciles regulatory frameworks with personal aspirations. It reflects a growing need for inclusive housing alternatives that prioritize autonomy, connection, and resilience.
La Résidence du Sentier is more than a house: it is a manifesto built on aging with dignity, living together with intention, and an architecture that silently amplifies the beauty of the place.