A holistic consideration of the building was taken from initial ideation through final execution. LAMAS began with site analysis and a study of the history, vernacular, and architectural approaches local to the area. These studies were integral to the concept, informing the design and helping guide decisions. The interior design was also done by LAMAS to ensure a cohesive concept from siting and architectural form, to collaboration with local craftspeople, to addressing interior fixtures and finishes. This comprehensive approach ensured a cohesive living space that reflects the unique identity of both the client and the surroundings.
Building Orientation & Layout
Situated between an old farm road and a hillside vineyard, the Virgin Vineyard house derives its name from the ruins of a former farm on the site. The client desired a residence that would offer views of the surrounding lake while minimizing disruption to the vineyard. Designed for three generations, the layout features bedrooms at both ends and gathering spaces in the middle. A twist in the plan allows each room to feel like a private shed with a unique volume, all under one roof. The angled interior walls create architectural interest and foster semi-private recesses beneath the expansive roof, providing a welcoming environment for family visits.
Energy
Wood construction was chosen to minimize the embodied energy and carbon footprint while ensuring a well-insulated envelope. The deep roof joists contributed to high R-values in the assembly, and the architecture firm prioritized a connection to the location through materials and craftsmanship to better reflect the traditional forms of Quebec’s architecture. Although unique, the house seamlessly integrates into its hillside setting as a farmhouse. The design, along with passive strategies and renewable energy sources like a ground source water-to-water heat pump, achieved an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 109 kWh/m²/yr.
Materials & Construction
The Quebec home features materials inspired by the local landscape, including fieldstone walls that separate the home from the road and shelter living spaces. The design emphasizes the harmony between stone and wood, reflecting la belle province’s agricultural architecture. Sustainable practices are central, with a high-performance envelope and geothermal heating and cooling. Local lumber was used to minimize embodied energy and carbon.
Life & Adaptability
The home was primarily about preserving the ecology of the land and enhancing the site. Its formal vernacular elements—deep eaves, thick walls, and relatively opaque north, east and west facades—represent a sustainability approach that includes high-performance envelope design and geothermal heating/cooling. The heating system combines forced air and hydronic flooring for more efficiency, and the home design’s deep eaves and cross ventilation eliminates the need for air conditioning in summer. Geothermal is advantageous in Quebec where carbon-free electricity powers the heat pumps to a radiant floor. Wood construction kept the embodied energy and carbon down while allowing for a well-insulated envelope (e.g. deep joists with high R-values). The lumber, cladding, stone, fixtures, finishes and high-performance wood curtain wall triple glazing were all local to Quebec.
Community
The owner is currently working with a local horticulturalist to plant indigenous flora to support the natural habitat. Informed by the history and vernacular architecture of the area, this home preserves the ecology of the land while enhancing the site.
Project Team
Architecture and Design Team
Weihan Vivian Lee
James Macgillivray
Andrea Rodriguez Fos
Cassandra Rota
Phil Carr-Harris
Kara Verbeek
Structural
Eric St-George Structures et Civile
Mechanical
Génécor Experts-Conseils Inc.
Electrical
Environment Électronique
Contractor
Construction Yves Lessard
Interiors
LAMAS Architecture Ltd.
Millworker
Ebénisterie Renova
Masonry
Maçonnerie Desrosiers de l’estrie
Landscape
Oscar Hache
Photography
Félix Michaud
