The Montreal-based design studio, Ménard Dworkind, has finished a distinctive residence encased in cedar, crafted to envelop its residents in the serene ambiance of a Quebec forest. Spanning 280 square meters (3,000 square feet), the Q8 Residence was completed in 2024 and is situated at the base of a hill within the Quartier 8 development in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.
“A major focus on orientation and choosing where to maximise and minimise glazing as well as a careful material selection and strategic spatial arrangements helps the home foster this strong connection to nature while providing a warm, open, and functional living environment,” said Ménard Dworkind (MRDK) co-founder David Dworkind.
Designer:
The house is composed of a series of staggered volumes, each distinguished by different exterior cladding materials, giving it the appearance of asymmetrical stacked boxes. From the northern approach, the structure appears largely closed off, with minimal openings, prioritizing privacy and heat retention during the winter months.
Visitors will arrive through gravel driveway that leads to a threshold at a western carport, which spans the main house and the storage room. A zig-zag-shaped corner extends into the carport, separating the entryway from a path that leads around the house to the family areas. The informal entry is neatly tucked into an interior corner where a bent lower form, wrapped in vertical larch siding, meets a rectangular upper volume adorned with white cedar shingles, alongside a short garden wall made of board-formed concrete. “This interplay of materials creates a dynamic facade that resonates with the surrounding forest,” said the team.
The larch siding and ceiling materials seamlessly extend into the front entry, transitioning into a compact mudroom. This space then opens up into a double-height area that includes the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, promoting a sense of openness and connectivity at the heart of the house. In the kitchen, a pantry is cleverly concealed behind a sliding screen and cabinet, providing storage for small appliances while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.
A spacious screened-in porch spans the eastern side of the house, sheltered by the overhanging second floor. Serving as an additional dining and living area, the porch is protected from insects and is designed to capture the morning light. From the porch, one can access a square pool deck located on the southern side of the house, where a double-sided fireplace creates a matte column along the exterior facade.
The western side of the house features a private suite, which includes a primary bedroom, bathroom, laundry area, and gym space, all thoughtfully designed to accommodate aging residents. This suite opens onto a sheltered triangular porch. A privacy wall curves outward to provide shade for an exterior shower area, which is further shielded by a large boulder discovered during the home’s excavation. On the upper level, a portion of the hallway is dedicated to a cozy reading nook, complete with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and daybed, offering views over the double-height living room. This level also houses three more bedrooms and two bathrooms.
“Throughout the interior, the material palette mirrors the exterior finishes. A harmonious blend of larch wood, dark and light-stained pine veneer, white walls, and lime wash creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This cohesive selection of materials reinforces the connection between the home’s interior spaces and its natural surroundings,” the team concluded.
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