Project name: Résidence de la Promenade
Architecture and Interior Design: LemayMichaud
Engineering: Douglas Consultants
General contractor: Érige Construction
Landscaping: Nvira and Relief constructeur de paysages
Home automation: MTM Design
Location: Québec City, Canada
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Jessy Bernier
Nestled atop a rocky cliff, offering breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the bridges of Quebec City, LemayMichaud introduces the Résidence de la Promenade, a single-family home providing its residents with an exceptional living environment, where the exterior and interior seamlessly blend.
The interplay of volumes and openings that make up the architecture of this residence offers its occupants panoramic perspectives of the outdoor environment, while preserving their privacy. On the ground floor, two rectangular volumes are placed parallel to the St. Lawrence River, along the edge of the cliff. A third volume, placed perpendicularly above, forms the upper floor. This deliberate use of composition of volumes takes advantage of the site and its views, thus creating strong connections between the interior and exterior.
The building’s architecture blends masonry on the ground floor with wood on the upper floor. The light gray brick of the first level, with nuanced and textured tones, creates a mineral base for the house, reminiscent of the cliff. The large volume of wood on the second level, in contrast to the brick on the first floor, also offers a natural materiality, and its white cedar cladding adds lightness to the volume. The choice of materials allows the whole to harmoniously integrate with the wooded environment of the site.
In the backyard, spacious concrete terraces and a suspended cliffside pool enjoy maximum sunlight throughout the day, adding a distinctive touch to the outdoor space.
The residence’s open, clean, and abundantly windowed living spaces offer breathtaking views of the mature trees of the cliff and the St. Lawrence River. The simplicity of the interior design allows the spectacular views to be constantly highlighted, creating bright and soothing atmospheres.
Flowing seamlessly with the exterior architecture, the materiality of the interior design is composed of raw and natural textures. Wood and brick are present, dressing the interiors to create a strong connection with the exterior, and seeking to perfectly harmonize the ambiances of the residence.
An architectural staircase at the center of the house acts as a central pivot and leads to more private spaces on the upper floor. The basement, partially open to the lower ground, bathes the spa relaxation areas in natural light, while the house’s playrooms and technical areas are embedded in the cliff floor.
All interior elements of the house are custom-designed. A few simple touches of color are subtly integrated in places to enliven the spaces dedicated to play, and to add a playful touch for the young users who will occupy them. This innovative and luxurious design makes the Résidence de la Promenade not only a stunning architectural achievement but also a harmonious part of its cliffside setting.
