Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects are the team behind this unique home located in Les Forges by the Saint-Maurice River in Quebec, Canada. Built within dense pine trees, the Des Forges Residence, which resembles a three-sided star or a triangular speaker found in many conference rooms, resides on the edge of a cliff with access from the main road via a long private driveway. The house is designed to both “reflect and respect” the topography, surrounding vegetation, river curves, and the views.

Local building restrictions limit if and how buildings can be constructed near the river’s cliff to prevent erosion. To make the Des Forges Residence happen, the structure had to align with the profile of the cliff and be distanced at least 20-meters away.
The sculptural home spans two floors with three wings joined by a central space that includes a curved staircase. The stone clad lower floor houses the two-car garage, front entryway, and curved staircase. It also features the guest areas and utility rooms.

In addition to the stone foundation, the upper level is supported by a steel structure and secondary wooden structure. The wooden structure comes to light in the central part of the home on the ceiling above the grand staircase.

Along with the natural stone, the black spruce siding helps visually disguise the house in nature. The contrasting colors give the upper level the appearance that it’s floating amongst the trees.

The outside entryway is surr...