"Sur Le Ruisseau" Saguenay, Canada

FADED4U September 20, 2024

"Sur Le Ruisseau" Saguenay, Canada

Matière Première Architecture unveils Sur Le Ruisseau, an architectural project situated in the heart of Quebec's northern boreal environment. The design emphasizes a harmonious integration with the landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord, prioritizing ecological sensitivity.

An inspiring and challenging natural site

Positioned at the edge of the fjord, the site presented both challenges and inspiration. With sharply sloping terrain descending towards the water's edge, and engulfed by lush nature, the property serves as a retreat that reflects the rhythms of the surrounding landscape.

"Our objective with Sur Le Ruisseau was to create architecture that integrates seamlessly with the existing environment," explains Étienne Chaussé, architect at Matière Première Architecture. "The site's topography and natural dynamics guided our design, allowing us to harmonize the project with its surroundings."

Integration with the forces of nature

The longitudinal house aligns with the shoreline, following the natural curves of the terrain over a span of a hundred feet. This approach minimizes earthworks by limiting cut and fill operations. By suspending the central part of the house above a bed of pebbles—similar to a bridge over a stream—the natural flow of water during spring snowmelt can run beneath the structure before joining the fjord.

This design addresses potential runoff challenges while preserving the site's ecological integrity. By respecting natural dynamics, environmental constraints become key elements of the architectural narrative.

Photo credit: Ian Balmorel

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