Chalets + pôle nautique
Duchesnay

New construction Residential2021

Duchesnay Station, managed by SEPAQ in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, borders the majestic Lake Saint-Joseph. The project is specifically located in an area formerly known as the “little village of Duchesnay” by the lake. The old chalets, built in the early 1950s, had to be demolished because they no longer met current needs and were in a state of disrepair. The original chalets served as residences for some professors and directors of the School of Forestry. SEPAQ’s mandate was to design 14 contemporary chalets as well as a nautical center providing access to the lake.

Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes

The project essentially focuses on the genius of the place and the relationship to the landscape. It features humble architecture that supports the landscape, preserving views and inviting people to enjoy the natural setting while stimulating enthusiasm for outdoor activities. The new buildings align with the existing built environment at all scales, whether through the pavilion-like layout that reinforces the village-like aspect of the site, the volumes that recall Quebecois imagery, or the attention to detail and materiality inspired by the site’s forestry heritage.

  • Consortium : Coarchitecture
  • Architecture du paysage : Lemay
  • Ingénierie : LGT (Mécanique) / SNC-Lavallin (Structure)
  • Entrepreneur général : Lévesque construction
  • Photographe : Adrien Williams
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The designers chose a simple elongated volume with a dual-pitched roof. This lengthwise architecture extends toward the lake, minimizing the obstruction of the water view for hikers. The gable shapes allow for better integration into the landscape and give the multitude of chalets a less massive appearance. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The facades clad in dark wood echo the siding of the Auberge Duchesnay, a grand building situated higher on the hill. The roofs are covered with standing seam metal, which also references other constructions on the site. This material was chosen for its durability and its ability to quickly shed snow accumulation. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The chalets can accommodate between 4 and 16 people. The design brief required the creation of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom models, which would be replicated across the site. One of the conceptual premises was to create a similar core for all three models, housing the hall, two identical bedrooms, and a full bathroom. This core was first developed for the smallest of the three models. For the others, the main living area on the ground floor extends more or less towards the lake depending on the chalet’s capacity. The larger chalets take advantage of the slope towards the lake by utilizing a garden level with extensive glazing. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Each chalet is distinguished by a covered entry vestibule, serving as a transition space to the interior and standing out as a distinctive architectural element. The vestibule is characterized by its interior material of eastern white cedar and its vertical slats, which rhythmically enhance the façade while also serving as a guardrail for the terrace. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The lake-facing façade is marked by large windows with a slightly off-angled orientation. This glazing reveals the interior cedar plank ceiling and provides occupants with a stunning view of the lake. The chalet architecture was developed with a focus on simplicity and cost-efficiency. The architects aimed for modesty and the creation of a soothing environment, rather than excess luxury. This goal aligned perfectly with SEPAQ's vision for the project. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
In addition to the chalets, the program includes the creation of a nautical center featuring a rental building, a service building, and play areas. This is part of a comprehensive site plan developed by landscape architects and is designed to complement the chalets. The center serves as a gathering place at the heart of the site. Trails converge here, and this central area acts as a transition to the lake. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
These buildings are designed for seasonal summer use. The designers opted for a large roof that covers the service building, serving as a shelter. The structure is composed of exposed NLT (nail-laminated timber) beams and decking. This dominant feature adds warmth to the gathering space. The expansive roof is supported by slender steel columns, creating a sense of floating and allowing an unobstructed view of the water. The walls of the building are also made of NLT. The repetition of wooden studs provides a pleasing texture to both the interior and exterior façades. ↓
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Chalets + pôle nautique Duchesnay by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
The Duchesnay Station caters to a diverse clientele, from couples seeking a nature getaway for the weekend, to international tourists exploring Quebec’s landscape and sports, as well as family gatherings that have become a tradition. The chalets, with their well-considered architecture, offer great versatility and freedom of use to meet the varied needs of the users. Since their opening, they have been fully booked, and the feedback has been excellent to date. ↓