Berges Grises, a unique residential dwelling designed by Matière Première Architecture, sits nestled in the picturesque Saguenay region of Quebec. This project reflects a harmonious blend of architectural tectonics, ecological consciousness, and warm design, harmonizing with the Fjord-du-Saguenay’s natural landscape. The home features three distinct volumes, an oversized living room, and a sensitive approach to site integration.
Berges Grises, a stunning architectural dwelling designed by Matière Première Architecture, stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of modern design with the natural beauty of the Saguenay region of Quebec. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Fjord-du-Saguenay, this unique residence showcases a subtle blend of architectural tectonics, ecological consciousness, and warm design elements, creating a truly harmonious dialogue with its surroundings.
The site, a triangular-shaped parcel bordered by constraints, presents a marked inclination towards a shoreline where time-worn rocks, smoothed by the tides, bear witness to the power of nature. This landscape, with its rolling slopes and coastal charm, served as the guiding force behind the project’s design, as explained by Etienne Chaussé, Architect of Matière Première Architecture. The name ‘Berges Grises’ itself pays homage to the site’s natural beauty, capturing the essence of an architecture that contemplatively engages with its environment. 
The site’s topography, featuring a lateral slope and a more pronounced slope towards the water, presented a significant design challenge. The architectural team carefully considered these constraints, along with the need to preserve privacy, while ensuring compliance with a requirement for a right-of-way to an adjacent project. The concept of a U-shaped design initially emerged, aiming to orient the house towards the rear, creating a private outdoor living area. However, due to the triangular plot, the design evolved into an expanded H shape, with the two lateral bars aligning with the parcel lines, opening the backyard to the breathtaking landscape.
Berges Grises comprises three distinct volumes, each serving a specific function, and spanning approximately 4,500 sq. ft. over two levels. The first volume houses the ground floor and upper level, accommodating bedrooms, suites, and a garage. The second volume encompasses the ground and garden levels, with a living area on the ground level and a ‘mancave’ at the garden level, taking advantage of the site’s double slope. These volumes are united by a third transverse brick element, aligning with the resulting angles of the design. The overall construction features an external cedar covering, which will naturally patinate over time, and elongated brickwork, lending a timeless character to the residence.
The clients, a young couple with a distinct vision, desired an eclectic mix of elements within the project, emphasizing longevity. Their penchant for open kitchens, reminiscent of restaurant designs, led to the selection of red oak finishes, white mosaic and metro-style ceramic tiles for the living area, and the addition of a long, frosted glass and brass light fixture above the kitchen island, creating a striking contrast between urban design and the surrounding forest.
At the heart of Berges Grises lies an oversized living room, serving as a central connecting hub and circulation space. The living room offers a contemplative spot with panoramic views of the house and the surrounding landscape. A massive fireplace anchors the space, with a built-in library on the opposite brick wall. A floating wooden staircase, its design conforming to the house’s angles, leads to the upper level. The layout strategically incorporates extensive window space, maximizing natural light while framing views of the intimate courtyard. This courtyard, extending from the open veranda and living area, features a relaxation zone and a pool, visible from every room.
Materiality plays a central role in Berges Grises, integrating the clients’ desires and local building traditions. The outdoor cedar finish not only adds an elegant touch to the structure, but also ensures durability. The choice of elongated brickwork for the unifying volume provides a grounded anchor, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural elements. The charcoal-colored steel roof and extensive fenestration add a contemporary touch to the overall design.
Environmental sensitivity was a paramount consideration throughout the construction process. The exterior landscape design embraces a minimalist and balanced approach, featuring the integration of indigenous plants throughout and a clover ground cover introduced in areas disturbed during construction.
Berges Grises embodies a respectful and efficient approach to site integration. The adoption of prefabricated frame construction significantly reduced the duration of the work, limiting its footprint on the native plant context and the delicate coastal ecosystem. Sedimentation barriers were installed near the construction site throughout the project, playing a crucial role in protecting and maintaining the balance of the shoreline, ensuring a sensitive integration of the architectural intervention into its natural environment, as highlighted by Samuel Godin, a member of the team since its founding.
In a broader context, the project’s design aligns with a concurrent project on a neighboring site, the Sur Le Ruisseau project. Both projects share a beige, earthy, linear brick exterior, creating a sense of continuity while preserving their distinctive formal languages. This delicate balance encapsulates the essence of Berges Grises – an architectural creation that deeply respects its surroundings, while affirming its presence on the Fjord’s horizon.
Project Information:
Architect: Matière Première Architecture
Contractor: Habitation DLC
Photos: Ian Balmorel
Superficie: 450m2
Wood siding: Maxiforet
Roofing: Mac Metal
Lighting: Luminaire authentik
Landscaping: Reflex paysage
Brick: Arriscraft
