La Cime by Nature Humaine

Settled high above Canadian forestland, La Cime offers residents a sensory experience of place. The work of Nature Humaine, the modern micro-chalet harmonises with the natural environment while maximising visual opportunities.

Bordering a 30-metre drop in a Sainte-Béatrix forest, La Cime has access to unparalleled views over the trees. The surrounding foliage changes with the seasons such that, throughout the year, the De la Boule river drops in and out of sight. To deliver a unique micro-chalet experience without negatively impacting the landscape, Nature Humaine champions the visual connection between home and scenery. Perched on a series of galvanised steel piles, La Cime draws residents close to the tree canopies while preserving plant cover and maintaining the natural flow of runoff water. In addition, the project achieves LEED Gold certification and meets Novoclimat standards of energy efficiency.

Bordering a 30-metre drop in a Sainte-Béatrix forest, La Cime has access to unparalleled views over the trees.

Architecturally, La Cime is inspired by the design of traditional chalets. Its double-slope roof overhangs slightly and oversized glass panels create part of its foundation; the top corner of the building is transparent. Pre-aged western pine covers the remainder of the exterior, including a suspended terrace and sauna space joined to the primary two-level structure. While the terrace features a circular hot tub and relaxation area, the sauna space includes a modest outdoor shower.

Inside La Cime, a vestibule, bathroom, hamman shower and the only bedroom of the residence occupy the first level. A timber staircase leads to the second level, which contains the shared living spaces. The location of the living, kitchen and dining area on the second level is an intuitive response to the landscape; as the chalet is set on the edge of a steep slope, the rooms at the top of the dwelling have the best views. In terms of materiality, the interiors consist of white pine on the walls and ceilings, diamond-polished concrete slab floors – to reflect natural light – and plywood built-in furniture, presenting a sustainable seating option. In contrast to lightness of most surfaces, the windows are framed in black to draw attention to the outdoors.

To deliver a unique micro-chalet experience without negatively impacting the landscape, Nature Humaine champions the visual connection between home and scenery.

Though its interiors amount to only 150 square metres, La Cime offers a generous experience of Sainte-Béatrix. Informed by the project site as well as its surroundings, Nature Humaine develops a clever, efficient design that allows residents to enjoy the natural environment.

Architecture by Nature Humaine. Build by Denis Joly Construction. Landscape design by PDG Terrassement. Structural engineering by Geniex. Furniture design by Fana Studio Créatif.