Designed by EM architecture, Chalet du Ruisseau is a country home that revisits vernacular architecture through a contemporary lens, combining gabled volumes, natural materials, and a carefully considered siting that maximizes the surrounding landscape. Nestled along the edge of a stream in Potton, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the residence offers a living environment where nature, light, and modern comfort meet with quiet simplicity.
The wooded, sloping site — shaped by the presence of a stream — guided every stage of the project’s development. The terrain directly informed the house’s placement and internal organization. Composed of two distinct volumes, the construction gently follows the topography and naturally turns toward the water. The siting was carefully designed to preserve exceptional mature trees, strengthening both the home’s integration and the natural character of the land. Large openings frame uninterrupted views, while generous flagstone terraces extend the living area outdoors and connect daily life to the site’s natural rhythms.
The two main volumes draw from the familiar silhouettes of rural barns. Raw wood cladding paired with a metal roof subtly echoes ancestral buildings, while clean lines and precise detailing firmly anchor the project in a contemporary approach. A light roof connector bridges the two volumes, creating sheltered storage and protected entryways that unify the ensemble.
At the heart of the house, a vertical shiplap-clad central core brings together the utility spaces — powder room, staircase, and a discreet pantry tucked behind the kitchen — while structuring circulation. Concentrating these functions centrally frees the façades for expansive glazing, enhances fluid movement, and creates moments of privacy that enrich the spatial experience.
Extending the main living areas, the veranda offers a luminous retreat oriented toward the forest and the stream. Its large bay windows frame the changing landscape, inviting calm, contemplation, and a close connection to the natural surroundings throughout the seasons.
Inside, the design reflects the owners’ passion for mid-century modern furniture. Iconic pieces, warm textures, and thoughtful compositions create an atmosphere that feels both refined and intimately lived-in.
Blending rural references with contemporary expression, the Chalet du Ruisseau offers a warm and timeless refuge deeply rooted in its territory. From the careful siting and preservation of mature trees, to the volumetric composition and interior layout, every decision contributes to a home in quiet dialogue with the surrounding nature.
Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau.
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