The Canadian architecture firm Lemay has designed a private extension in solid wood in Quebec with the Chalet Vale Perkins. This project is an impressive demonstration of how sustainability and state-of-the-art architecture can not only coexist but also harmonize beautifully.
Imagine being an architect and the founder of an award-winning architecture firm, planning an expansion of your private residence. For once, there are no external guidelines or client demands—only your own imagination sets the boundaries (aside from a possibly limited budget).
A Net-Zero Approach
It is hardly surprising that such a project would turn out to be particularly remarkable. This was the case for Louis T. Lemay, CEO and President of the eponymous studio founded by his father in 1957. With its headquarters in Quebec, , Canada, the firm now employs more than 400 people worldwide. In collaboration with the company’s in-house „architecture lab“ The Phenix in Montreal, Lemay designed an extension for his private residence in Vale Perkins on Lac Memphrémagog.
Covering 232 square meters, the Chalet Vale Perkins was conceived as a generational lakeside home that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, as Louis T. Lemay explains. He placed the highest priority on adhering to his firm’s guiding principles: transdisciplinary design and sustainability based on the net-zero concept. In addition to reducing emissions, the focus is on health and environmental impact. The result, according to Lemay, is „a home that connects you with nature while having as little impact on it as possible.“
A Cabin of Wood
Chalet Vale Perkins was built using solid wood construction, predominantly glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT), complemented by exposed concrete elements. While visually subtle, an essential design feature is the expansive glass facades, which serve not only to maximize natural light but also allow for full cross-ventilation when opened. This means that no air conditioning is needed—cool lake air and the natural shade provided by the surrounding forest keep the space comfortable even in summer.
To the east, the chalet connects to the original house, leading into a spacious open-plan living and dining area that extends across the entire ground floor. At its core is an impressive black kitchen island, anchoring the space. Moving westward, the roofline rises steadily, creating enough space for an upper floor with a bedroom, accessed via a concrete staircase with a wooden railing. The cantilevered upper level extends over the veranda, offering additional shade to the pool below.
Nature at the Core of Design
The wooden elements of the chalet were crafted by Charpente Montmorency a local company. For load-bearing structures, pencil cedar was used. The cantilevered upper floor is clad in dark-stained red cedar, mirroring the green rooftop terrace. The roof has a 30-degree pitch, matching the slope of the driveway where the chalet was constructed.
Overall, the orientation and design of the chalet follow a principle of minimal environmental and climate impact, as Lemay explains:
„The positioning of the house allows for natural warmth, daylight, cross-ventilation, and air circulation.“
Additionally, the concrete foundation acts as thermal mass, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter. Lemay’s studio further emphasizes that the design was carefully planned to avoid artificial climate control systems, relying instead on:
- Natural methods to regulate light, temperature, ventilation, and water consumption
- Solar panels to reduce energy costs
- Smart material choices to enhance efficiency and sustainability
Sustainability at Its Best
With Chalet Vale Perkins, Lemay has created a model of sustainable, forward-thinking architecture—a home that is as breathtaking as it is environmentally conscious.
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Text: Michi Reichelt
Images: Stéphane Groleau
