Hovey Residence

1628 inc.

Short description

A sustainable approach for an atypical project designed by the architecture and design firm 1628.

The Hovey Residence project located on the edge of a lake was designed to accommodate a couple of art lovers and their family. Its a real observation platform, the highest point is a cantilevered footbridge which literally projects the visitor into the landscape.

Concept

The site was occupied by a 1970 ranch-style house. Successive expansions and redevelopment made some spaces barely usable and the whole thing was obsolete. It was important for the designers to work with the existing building, to highlight its strengths, while overcoming its shortcomings, in order to create a coherent and unique whole.

Configuration of the site on a steep slope left few options for expansion. It was placed at the highest point of the site, as an extension of the existing house, in order to make the most of the views. Wanting to create a building that was not massive on street side, the main addition was separated from the existing house, giving the impression of separated buildings. On lake side the extension is connected to the rest by an interior corridor.

In response to the wooden retaining walls preserved at the base of the original house, retaining walls made of ecological concrete were built to support the expansion. Numerous landings integrated into these walls are garnished with plants.


Volumetry

The enlarged building is composed of two volumes covered with wood cladding dyed dark brown, a material traditionally used in the region. From the street, the house is deliberately sober and does not reveal its scale. The volumes create a visual barrier which protects the occupants present on the lake side.

On upper floor, at street level, main volumes are connected by a covered wooden corridor which serves as both a promenade and an observation platform overlooking the land and the lake. The platform ends with a cantilever directed towards the lake which projects the observer into the landscape. On lower level, the volumes are connected by a corridor located under the promenade.

Numerous terraces and balconies have been added to create exterior extensions to the rooms. The latter accentuate the horizontality of the composition and counterbalance the height of the house in relation to the site.

An exterior concrete staircase has been planned to facilitate circulation. This sculptural staircase runs along one of the retaining walls and becomes a promenade element that connects the terraces of the lower level to the land on the lake side.


Site layout

The theme of the promenade guided the development of the site. The designers used native plants, most of which were present in the immediate environment. Several paths and slate stairs run through the site. Added to this is a hemlock boardwalk which highlights the path between the house and the lake.

Secondary pavilions, integrated into the forest, were built near the lake. The first houses a covered terrace, while the second is used for storing canoes and kayaks. These pavilions use the materials and several elements found in the residence.


Interior spaces

The original wing remains the main access to the house. It is accessed via a protected courtyard occupied by a Japanese-inspired garden.

This wing houses the main living spaces on the ground floor, as well as the master suite and an office. For the living rooms, the designers opened up the spaces and reworked the existing cathedral ceiling to take advantage of it. The original field stone fireplace has been revised and modernized. The living rooms open onto a large balcony terrace that can accommodate several guests.

The lower level of the original wing is accessible via the central interior staircase. This level has been completely redesigned to make it welcoming and bright. It is occupied by guest rooms and indoor spa. This welcoming and largely glazed space has been designed as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation overlooking the landscape and the lake.

The lower level of the extension is occupied by a garage and a second master suite with magnificent views of the site. It is adjoined by a large wooden terrace with an outdoor fireplace.

The ground floor of the extension is occupied by an office space. The cathedral-style ceiling echoes the ceiling of the main living spaces. The room gives visitors the impression of floating above the landscape.

The designers opted for a limited range of sober finishes that are found throughout the house. The floors are Canadian white oak. The walls and ceilings are painted white. The wall panels, built-in furniture and some woodwork are in natural maple. The ceramics are in shades of white and beige. The interior doors are simple and the hardware discreet and elegant. All the integrated furnishings were designed by 1628 in a sober and timeless style.



Environment
From the outset of the project, it was agreed between the owners and designers that the existing house should be retained. Its demolition would have forced the new construction to move down the slope, which would have been a major inconvenience for the use of the site. The wooden structure of the house was stripped and consolidated. The doors and windows have been replaced. The insulation of the envelope has been completely redone in order to exceed current standards and obtain a very efficient envelope, an essential element for the rigorous climate of the site.
Given its condition, the conservation of the existing building was not economically advantageous. On the other hand, its conservation considerably reduce GHG emissions, i.e. a 24.9% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent new building.


Conclusion
The objective with this project was to create unique places that stand out. Each space, each room, each exterior point of view had to provoke an experience for visitors. The house and the site were to reveal themselves in an unexpected way depending on the routes taken. Each place had to be part of a coherent whole, while respecting the expectations and lifestyle of the owners.