Architects: Atelier l’Abri
Year: 2022
Photography: Raphaël Thibodeau
Construction: Construction Éclair
Project Team: Pia Hocheneder, Jérôme Codère, Francis Martel-Labrecque, Nicolas Lapierre
City: La Malbaie
Country: Canada
Atelier L’Abri’s Territoire Charlevoix, established between La Malbaie and Baie-Saint-Paul in Canada, presents a distinct concept of experiential camping within the serene Canadian wilderness. This ecotourism site features minimalist, nature-integrated shelters designed to offer panoramic views and a deep connection with the environment. The shelters and communal facilities are crafted to provide comfort and tranquility across all seasons, emphasizing sustainable construction and intimate engagement with the landscape. This project, serving as a profound exploration of the relationship with the territory, showcases a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, aiming to deliver a thoughtful and immersive nature experience.
Territoire Charlevoix, introduced by Atelier L’Abri, embodies a unique concept of experiential camping set in the Canadian wilderness, specifically located inland between La Malbaie and Baie-Saint-Paul. This remote location offers spectacular panoramic views of Quebec’s magnificent Charlevoix region and its vast landscape.
The design approach of Territoire Charlevoix is deeply influenced by its context, resulting in a series of structures that are simple, yet varied; and familiar, yet unusual. Immersed in nature, these site-adapted constructions offer rest, comfort, security, escape, and entertainment. The minimalist design of the rustic installations harmonizes perfectly with the natural surroundings. Atelier L’Abri has crafted various modules, including camping shelters, viewing platforms with communal kitchens, and a visitor center featuring a forest buvette.
Operating year-round, Territoire Charlevoix allows visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse landscapes and activities that each season offers in the region.
The project features five small, autonomous shelters that provide an intimate and comfortable encounter with nature, accessible both in summer and winter. These shelters combine rusticity with modernity, offering warm and functional spaces that foster tranquility and escape. Their strategic orientation and generous openings maximize exposure to nature. Elevated on slender legs, the cabins minimize environmental impact and deforestation, blending seamlessly into the wild landscape without traditional foundations.
The distinctive volume of the shelters, with a single-slope roof that echoes the natural topography, resembles large dormers or old cameras. This architectural form directs the shelters’ large glass panes toward the valleys below, offering expansive views of the landscape. Positioned to face the sunrise and sunset, the shelters provide varied experiences of the region’s timeless moments.
The layout of each shelter is compact and functional, designed to minimize impact while maximizing interior space. The shelters are equipped with kitchenettes, dining tables, wood stoves, and large beds situated in front of bay windows. Integrated bench spaces and additional mattress accommodations enhance the functionality of the space. Each shelter also includes a covered outdoor dining area with a large table and workbench.
The interior design is sleek yet warm, with integrated furniture modules that optimize space and budget. Inspired by modernist designs and economical materials like plywood, the design offers a tranquil interior atmosphere, contrasting with the raw exterior wood cladding. The outdoor areas include a fire circle, a log shelter, and a wooden dry toilet.
In addition to the individual shelters, Territoire Charlevoix offers grouped wooden platforms known as archipelagos for camping. These platforms, while isolated for privacy, are near a panoramic shelter that serves as a communal space with a kitchenette. This arrangement fosters community spirit and relaxation.
The reception building functions as a basecamp for visitors engaging in outdoor activities. The building is divided by a central breakthrough oriented toward the landscape, featuring the “Oui Oui” forest buvette for dining and a utility side with sanitary facilities.
Through this family of varied buildings, all carefully integrated into their environment, Territoire Charlevoix invites visitors to explore and immerse themselves fully in the territory quietly.
Territoire Charlevoix is the third ecotourism site designed by Atelier L’Abri. This project is part of a continuous reflection on inhabiting and relating to the territory, balancing simplicity, minimalism, and efficiency to provide a sincere environmental experience. Living in these buildings inspires a slower pace and a deeper connection with nature, emphasizing sustainable construction and a reduced impact on the environment.
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Project Location
Address: 170 Rang Sainte-Philomène, La Malbaie, QC G5A 2B6, Canada
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
