Résidence
des Forges

New construction Residential2022

This project is part of a strong imagination specific to Boulevard des Forges. It is inspired by a narrative that challenges nature and culture: between tales and legends and with the environment that walks the St-Maurice River, the project itself becomes a foundry piece articulated around the characteristics specific to the site.

Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes

For their main residence, the owners, lovers of art and nature, had a linear plot of land with direct access to the Saint-Maurice River. It is through a private access driveway of 265m that it gradually reveals an unusual black shape through the immense pines.As you approach, the vision becomes clearer: The Forges residence comes into view, you enter on the lower floor, on the forest side.

  • Realization : Constructions Boulard et associés inc.
  • Photographer : Adrien Williams
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
If the master foundryman was the conductor in the operation of the forges, the architect is here the craftsman-blacksmith of the residence. Inspired by the pictorial and poetic industrial world, the house is sculpted and molded in order to carefully respond to the topographical differences, the visual breakthroughs, the respect of the plant cover and finally, the curves – meanders – of this same river, source of the imagination around forges. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The upper floor stands out from the ground following the curves of the Saint-Maurice River. The Résidence des Forges is located at the edge of the erosion zone of the cliff, perched at a height of 55m. The owners want a welcoming and warm residence, respectful of the environment, preserving mature trees and open to the Saint-Maurice River, where they can receive family and friends. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
They also want to benefit from the splendid view of the river below and are influenced by linear villas, noble materials and generous windows. The sector presents several challenges, first from the point of view of municipal regulations and also due to the topography of the land. Located on the edge of a steep slope area, the site does not allow the construction of buildings near the cliff. So to be able to enjoy the view, the new construction will have to be done following the profile of the cliff at a distance of 20m. This particular constraint of the site made it possible to generate this sprawling form, unique to the project. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The entrance is through a covered outdoor space, arched on all four sides. These arches are formally inspired by the Forges du Saint-Maurice and echo the traditional methods of installing natural stone masonry. One of them, which houses the solid wood front door framed in glass, overlooks the heart of the residence, where the three wings converge. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The Résidence des Forges is divided into three wings placed on a natural stone basilar. Each of them is supported by a main steel structure and a secondary structure made of wooden boxes, deliberately expressed. The latter intersects at the heart of the project to create an open space where a monumental staircase steals the show. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The program is relatively simple but effective. The living areas and master apartments are located upstairs. Those of guests, visiting family, in addition to garages and technical spaces are found on the ground floor. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The nuanced natural stone cladding is found inside and crosses the double-height space to cover the closed block which separates the two open areas upstairs. This closed block concealing an outlay and a bathroom has been designed to accommodate an elevator in the future. The owners want a space to be provided for this purpose so that they can live in this home as long as possible. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The curved staircase dances around the cascading pendant lights and invites you to climb to the living areas upstairs. The central space acts as a pivot point by connecting on one side the leisure and relaxation room - living room, billiard table and reading corner - on the other the master apartments - bedroom, office, laundry room and bathroom. bath - and the other the kitchen, dining room and boudoir. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
From an ecological and social point of view, it was important for the owners to work with local contractors, suppliers and artisans. In particular, the windows were supplied by Shalwin and the various wood facings by Maxi-Forêt, two local companies. The central staircase and the steel railings inspired by the traditional works of the blacksmith were created by Battig Design. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The Forges residence is a true art gallery. The numerous works of art are displayed throughout the house; both along the circulation spaces and in each room. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Beyond the kitchen, in the boudoir, a wood-burning fireplace in a mass of stones soothes the space and offers contrasting warmth to the raw materials of concrete, steel and glass. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
This largely glazed space offers a breathtaking view of the Saint-Maurice River and communicates with a large terrace. This is supported by a “V”-shaped steel structure. The exterior staircase delicately follows one of these frames and leads directly to ground level, to an outdoor relaxation area sheltered from the weather. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Facing the terrace, we take a long staircase leading to the boathouse. This small autonomous pavilion, as its name suggests, is used to store watercraft but also serves as a space for relaxation and contemplation, being able to accommodate a few people to camp with its kitchenette, bathroom and roof terrace. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The choice of black spruce plank cladding was essential for its visual neutrality. The whole creates an unusual volume which stands out from the horizon and corresponds to the effect desired by the designers, from the first sketches. The intention was to offer as you approached the site the spectacle of a mysterious object, suspended among the trees and in dialogue with the curves of the Saint-Maurice River. The upper floor seems to float, the living areas project overhanging and frame the surrounding landscapes. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The idea was that the prism would blend into nature and that much space would be left to the texture of the natural stone which covers the basilar. The ceiling is covered with knotless cedar slats, forming a warm and soft whole, in contrast to the black exterior cladding. The cedar ceiling continues outside in the screened room, accentuating the effect of transparency. On the exterior, the architects also specified the measured use of golden cedar cladding which recalls the nuances of autumn, among other things to cover the garage doors but also expressed in the soffit above the covered spaces. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
This contemporary residence fits respectfully into the panorama of the Saint-Maurice River. It demonstrates that on the one hand, the constraints of the site, and on the other hand, the cultural heritage and the imagination of the place, can serve as a basis for the development of a strong concept and generate quality architecture sensitive to its environment. ↓
Résidence des Forges by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes