Résidence
la Frangine

Complete renovation Residential2019

Located next to the slopes at the Stoneham Resort, La Frangine is the result of the expansion and conversion of a former ski chalet into a main residence. The architectural part of the project consisted in keeping the existing cottage and to design a second separate building connected to the first one. Like a big sister, the new section looks after the smaller one. Both buildings nicely connect by means of a glass passageway which allows natural light into the heart of the residence. From its façade, the building echoes the dimensions of the original cottage, but extends deeper into the deciduous forest. This creates an intimate deck located at the back of the house.

Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes

The clients are a family of four—an artist, an entrepreneur, students, active individuals, mountain sports enthusiasts, and lovers of the Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury region.

  • Photographe : Maxime Brouillet
  • Réalisation : Cas par Cas Artisans-Bâtisseurs
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The little sister, which is the existing chalet, is transformed and becomes the communal house, housing the dining room and kitchen on the ground floor. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
An artist's studio is located in a mezzanine in the attic. The floor was completely opened up, and a large dormer was added to the structure to take advantage of the natural light. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The studio opens onto the kitchen below, and light gently flows in. New clear openings have been added to the existing framework, which has been enhanced with additional insulation in both the walls and the roof. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The big sister, the expansion, becomes the private house and mirrors the roof slopes of the existing structure but with two full stories. The ground floor includes the garage and accommodates the master suite. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Upstairs, you'll find the girls' quarters with an open office space facing the mountain on one side and a boudoir and covered terrace overlooking the treetops on the other. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The cathedral ceiling, covered with Eastern white cedar, extends through the expansion to continue above the outdoor spaces, enhancing the effect of transparency with nature. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The inhabited passage connects the two sister houses. It is first laid out between the two structures and serves as both a living area and a corridor. This linear design also penetrates the buildings at each end. On one side, it is more spacious and serves as the main porch. On the other, it acts as a secondary porch, providing direct and convenient access to the kitchen, the technical spaces in the basement, and the terrace. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
At the back, its roof extends to partially cover a large terrace. A tree planted at the heart of the project symbolizes a second life for this transformed ski chalet, marking a new beginning for this primary residence. Photo Credit: Marjorie Roy ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The little sister, before the start of the work. ↓
Résidence la Frangine by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The volume of the traditional chalet, preserved and transformed, sets the tone for the expansion. The careful treatment of the new openings, materials, and architectural details adds a contemporary touch to the project without altering its historical essence. This balance between tradition and modernity is also reflected in the addition of the single-story, flat-roofed passage. Photo Credit: Marjorie Roy ↓