Stories

 

Frelighsburg, Quebec, Canada

Rooted in the land

 

 

On a small road leading to Vermont stands ‘Maison Melba’, a rural farmhouse echoing the rustic, architectural heritage of the city of Frelighsburg in the Eastern Townships in southern Quebec. Amid a countryside of hills, meadows, and orchards blooming in the shadow of the pristine Pinnacle Mountain, this former 1970s automobile garage has been transformed into a living space open to the community through its function as an immersive culinary retreat.

On a small road leading to Vermont stands ‘Maison Melba’, a rural farmhouse echoing the rustic, architectural heritage of the city of Frelighsburg in the Eastern Townships in southern Quebec. Amid a countryside of hills, meadows, and orchards blooming in the shadow of the pristine Pinnacle Mountain, this former 1970s automobile garage has been transformed into a living space open to the community through its function as an immersive culinary retreat.

A new chapter for Maison Melba

Driven by entrepreneurial enthusiasm, Simon, the founder of Maison Melba set out to create a space at the heart of his community, conducive to meetings and collaborative projects.

 

In the hands of Montreal-based architectural practice Atelier L’Abri who led the transformation, Maison Melba now houses a residence, a work studio, a workshop and a culinary production and meeting space. Outside, the small plot of land also includes a greenhouse, and a garden dedicated to small-scale vegetable production. 

Read more
Read more

Monochrome magic, Danish edition – Inside the house, the open plan is softly punctuated by furniture carefully curated to shape an atmosphere of calmness and warmth. A strict, monochromatic interior exudes a Scandinavian simplicity highlighted in the two kitchens by Vipp. On both residential and public sides, the modular kitchens on legs integrate lightly with the rest of the composition.

Monochrome magic, Danish edition – Inside the house, the open plan is softly punctuated by furniture carefully curated to shape an atmosphere of calmness and warmth. A strict, monochromatic interior exudes a Scandinavian simplicity highlighted in the two kitchens by Vipp. On both residential and public sides, the modular kitchens on legs integrate lightly with the rest of the composition.

A kitchen built for creation – The owner's interest in developing food products led to the creation of a commercial kitchen in one part of the house. At its heart, the warm grey V1 kitchen from Vipp sets the stage, offering a functional framework for culinary creativity.

A kitchen built for creation – The owner's interest in developing food products led to the creation of a commercial kitchen in one part of the house. At its heart, the warm grey V1 kitchen from Vipp sets the stage, offering a functional framework for culinary creativity.

A study in light – In each space, the careful selection of lamps completes a tableau drawn with care and delicacy. Lamps from Vipp include both the Vipp Paper pendant and Paper floor lamp. The kitchen is lid up by Vipp pendants. And the wooden study desk is contrasted by the solid Vipp Sculpture lamp.

A study in light – In each space, the careful selection of lamps completes a tableau drawn with care and delicacy. Lamps from Vipp include both the Vipp Paper pendant and Paper floor lamp. The kitchen is lid up by Vipp pendants. And the wooden study desk is contrasted by the solid Vipp Sculpture lamp.

"Our inspiration for designing Maison Melba was a focus on clean architecture and design. We wanted to retain the essence of the existing house by uniting rural architecture with contemporary architecture."

 

- Pia Hocheneder, designer L'Abri architectural studio

"Our inspiration for designing Maison Melba was a focus on clean architecture and design. We wanted to retain the essence of the existing house by uniting rural architecture with contemporary architecture."

 

- Pia Hocheneder, designer L'Abri architectural studio

Interior – A study in sensibility

The building plan is distinguished by a large interstice slicing through the center of the building. Beneath a high skylight, the local natural stone floor extends the landscaping indoors to create a transitional space between the house and the creative areas. The entrance doors to the residence and the workshop each open onto this narrow common alley adorned with plants.

Read more
Read more

The completion of this ambitious project relied on an integrated design process led by the design-build team of Atelier L'Abri and Construction Modulor. L'Abri’s design vision is based on the fundamental balance between beauty, utility, and durability to deliver truly timeless architecture.

 

 

The completion of this ambitious project relied on an integrated design process led by the design-build team of Atelier L'Abri and Construction Modulor. L'Abri’s design vision is based on the fundamental balance between beauty, utility, and durability to deliver truly timeless architecture.

 

 

.
V1 Kitchen
Sustainable Catskills Cottage