ECOLODGE
[ University of Montreal | Studio IV ]
[ University of Montreal | Studio IV ]
LOCATION
Quebec, Canada
YEAR Winter 2013
ADVISOR(S) Morgan Carter
COLLABORATOR(S) Mariam Rzin
Keywords | Passive design, materiality and tectonics
YEAR Winter 2013
ADVISOR(S) Morgan Carter
COLLABORATOR(S) Mariam Rzin
Keywords | Passive design, materiality and tectonics
In conjunction with an environmental design course, this studio asked to integrate sustainable solutions into the design of a lodge nested in the Quebec wilderness on a 71-hectare site. Encompassing the owners’ private residence, a lodge for ten visitors, and various recreational spaces, the masterplan considered interventions at multiple scales ranging from the overall property layout to intricate wall details.
The design concept merges the owner’s property with the lodge, promoting interaction between owners and visitors. This strategy aligns with environmental sustainability principles by minimizing the exposed envelope area and overall footprint. Leveraging the land topography, the ground floor accommodates the lodge rooms and the owner’s house, while the upper floor features common spaces like a lounge, dining area, and communal kitchen. The materiality and tectonics of the project reflect this division: the ground floor is built with heavy thermal mass and small openings, while the upper floor is a light open space offering panoramic views of the landscape. Wooden fins control the sunlight in the common spaces and frame specific views.
Years after designing this “eco” lodge, I decided to do a life cycle assessment of the project to define its carbon footprint. The result was eye-opening. See LCA here!