Atelier Boom-Town completes Quebec getaway "like a piece of driftwood"

Atelier l'Abri, a local architecture studio, designed the Melba Pavilion, a 45-square-metre shed on a Quebec farmhouse property. Located in Frelighsburg, the structure serves as a workspace and storage facility for Maison Melba, an estate that encompasses a residence, studio, workshop, and greenhouse dedicated to sustainable agriculture. The pavilion is strategically placed between the greenhouse and the main house. Its layout incorporates a central storage area, a lofted open space for various activities, and an external workspace sheltered by extensive eaves. The design of the Melba Pavilion draws inspiration from the local vernacular architecture, prioritizing a sense of simplicity in its form and function. The architectural concept of the Melba Pavilion aligns with the principles articulated in Kenneth Frampton's "Studies in Tectonic Culture." This influence is evident in the studio's emphasis on showcasing the expressive capabilities of construction and highlighting the intrinsic value of materials and their assembly in shaping a building's overall character and impact. The studio specifically noted that the pavilion embodies simplicity and elegance through its judicious selection of readily available and cost-effective materials, contributing to a design that is both functional and aesthetically refined. This approach underlines a commitment to accessible and unpretentious architectural solutions. The structural framework of the building is exposed and constructed using local hemlock wood. A prominent gabled roof covers the storage space, which is clad in galvanized steel panels. A series of timber beams extends downwards around the storage area, deliberately spaced to create ample room for various work-related tasks. At the front of the pavilion, a wooden ladder provides access to a semi-enclosed loft. This elevated space is sheltered by translucent polycarbonate panels forming the roof and remains open on its sides, allowing for natural light and ventilation. Steel decking and a trap door on the upper level offer views into the storage area below. The rigorous structure defining the loft space features a series of trusses, a design element derived from a residential building on the property that underwent renovation. Atelier l'Abri explained that the design is influenced by the rhythmic repetition of trusses observed during the renovation of the older home, resulting in a unique and functional structure. The substantial timber frame of the pavilion, crafted from local hemlock wood, acts as a sculptural element within the landscape, establishing a visual connection between the garden and the main house. The oversized roof is also a nod to local architectural traditions and is conceived as an homage to the roof's fundamental role as a primary form of shelter. In line with sustainable practices, Atelier l'Abri intentionally used raw and accessible materials throughout the construction process. This material choice reflects broader environmental initiatives adopted across the Maison Melba property, which is on track to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The property's commitment to sustainability extends to its landscaping, which follows principles of ecological, edible, and regenerative design, overseen by the local landscape architecture studio Écomestible. The Melba Pavilion exemplifies a dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being by promoting minimal construction practices and reducing environmental impact through the use of local, low-carbon materials. This design approach contributes to the site's overall sustainability and self-reliance, celebrating daily gardening activities within a uniquely designed structure. Atelier l'Abri has also undertaken other projects in Quebec, including A-frame micro cabins and a sculptural chalet for a public park. #Pavilions #Canada #Quebec #Sheds #AtelierLAbri #Architecture #SustainableDesign #TimberConstruction

Saltwolf, an e-commerce furniture company based in Boulder, launched its mobile showroom in June 2021, one year after its initial founding. The company, established by husband-and-wife team Lindy and Jordan Williams in May 2020, aimed to address common challenges faced by interior designers, such as the difficulty of sampling and ordering high-quality furnishings with quick turnaround times. Saltwolf distinguishes itself by offering direct-to-designer services, providing heirloom-quality pieces through an online platform. The decision to create a mobile showroom, affectionately known as "Ms. Saltwolf," stemmed from the founders' desire to provide designers with a tactile experience of their products, without committing to a traditional brick-and-mortar presence. Lindy Williams noted that while many trade brands rely on third-party showrooms, Saltwolf wanted to explore alternative methods to showcase their furniture. The 18-foot-long box truck, designed with a theater background by Jordan Williams, functions as a fully immersive living room environment. This setup allows designers to visualize how Saltwolf's furniture would integrate into their projects. The mobile showroom was particularly timely given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It enabled Saltwolf to safely introduce its products to design firms through masked, outdoor meetings, adhering to health and comfort guidelines. The interior of Ms. Saltwolf is meticulously designed, featuring painted wainscoting and patterned wallpaper, creating an inviting atmosphere. It showcases upholstered furniture from each of Saltwolf’s four lines: a 7-foot Linden sofa in Belgian linen, a Hawthorne chair in Italian leather, a Mapleton chair in performance velvet, and a Norwood bench in Belgian linen. Additionally, the showroom features examples of the brand’s three wood finishes and large fabric swatches. These larger swatches allow designers to gauge the material and color at scale, offering a more comprehensive understanding than small samples. After initial test drives in various Western cities like Boulder, Denver, Aspen, Salt Lake City, Park City, and Austin, the mobile showroom commenced its official tour in Southern California in June 2021. The tour itinerary included further stops in Portland, Seattle, Bozeman, Jackson, and Sun Valley. Team members, including Lindy and Jordan, travel to each destination to meet with individual designers and host events within the showroom. The summer tour was scheduled to conclude on the Front Range with an event at Roth Living in Denver on August 26. Future plans for the fall involved visits to Colorado mountain resort towns, Utah, and Lake Tahoe. While Ms. Saltwolf has played a crucial role in introducing the brand, the company plans to transition to a permanent display at its Boulder design studio by the end of the year. Remote tours via video conferencing will also be offered, and discussions are underway to place Saltwolf pieces in designers’ showrooms in various mountain resort towns. Lindy Williams observed a significant shift in consumer and designer purchasing behavior due to the pandemic, with an increased comfort level in buying luxury goods online. Saltwolf aims to continue innovating to make the online purchasing experience as effortless as possible for its clients. The article provides practical information for interested designers, stating that Saltwolf's upcoming mobile showroom stops are listed on their website, where designers can RSVP to events or request a visit. Updates on new stops are also available online, ensuring designers can stay informed about the showroom's schedule and plan their engagement accordingly. #mobileShowroom #furnitureDesign #directToDesigner #homeFurnishings #interiorDesign #BoulderBusiness #eCommerceFurniture #luxuryGoods #designInnovation

Bella Mancini of Bella Mancini Design undertook the task of furnishing a nearly 3,500-square-foot loft in Dumbo, Brooklyn, for a family of four. The objective was to create a space that offered serenity at the day's end while also accommodating frequent entertaining. The loft, situated in a former industrial building, already possessed significant character with its natural wood columns, exposed brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. High-end white oak floors and a new developer's kitchen were also existing features, meaning Mancini's focus was primarily on furniture, custom millwork, lighting, paint, wallpaper, and soft furnishings. The design process was heavily influenced by the clients' lifestyle. With two preteen daughters, a husband who works from home, and a wife with demanding hours, the need for both relaxation and functionality was paramount. The couple's enjoyment of entertaining also played a crucial role in the layout and furnishing choices. This led to the establishment of two distinct dining areas: a casual space near the large windows featuring an Eero Saarinen tulip table, wicker chairs, and a custom banquette that doubles as a desk, and a more formal dining setup elsewhere in the loft. The open kitchen and living area, centrally located, were designed for fluid movement and informal gatherings, encouraging guests to choose any available seat rather than adhering to a formal dining structure. Mancini aimed to infuse a relaxed, breezy Californian aesthetic into the New York setting. However, acknowledging the clients' British background and their Hamptons home's English country style, some glamorous and sparkly touches were incorporated to satisfy their preference for a slightly dressier city environment. The kitchen, visible upon entry, features a dropped ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball's Downpipe to conceal wiring, with Louis Poulsen glass globe pendants illuminating the island. The foyer is anchored by a vintage Scandinavian piece, setting an immediate tone for the home's curated style. Custom elements are prevalent throughout the loft, such as the banquette in the casual dining area, which is also painted in Farrow & Ball's Downpipe, a dark gray used in multiple spaces. The living area showcases a sophisticated and unconventional color palette, including a pink Chesterfield sofa complemented by vintage ochre and gray armchairs, with two coffee tables sourced from Jayson Home. The formal dining area is defined by pink grasscloth wall covering, featuring chrome Breuer chairs from Knoll upholstered in durable mohair, surrounding a wood table from the Danish Design Store. A custom-designed credenza by Mancini further enhances this space. The powder room received a facelift with Ellie Cashman floral wallpaper, an Apparatus light fixture, and a vanity painted in Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon. The daughters' rooms also feature personalized designs, such as tie-dyed wallpaper from Donghia and canopy beds, alongside custom-built desks and bookshelves designed by Mancini. The master bedroom includes nightstands from Lawson Fenning, a whimsical side table from Artemest, and a chaise lounge from Gubi, with Italian garment-dyed linens from Society Limonata at ABC Carpet & Home. These design choices collectively create a functional, stylish, and comfortable environment tailored to the family's needs and aesthetic preferences. #BellaMancini #BellaManciniDesign #InteriorDesign #LoftDesign #OpenPlanLiving #DumboBrooklyn #CustomMillwork #ResidentialInteriors

The 'Faire le vide' public art installation is situated on a rocky promontory on Island no. 22 within Poisson Blanc Regional Park in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec. This installation is the inaugural piece in a series of artistic interventions planned for the park's islands, aiming to transform the reservoir area into a cultural and outdoor destination. The project originated from Poisson Blanc Regional Park, indicating a strategic effort to integrate art into the natural landscape and enhance visitor experience. Designed by a team comprising artist and architect Luca Fortin and Atelier mock/up, 'Faire le vide' was the winning entry in a design competition. The artwork manifests as a wooden cube, characterized by a minimalist and monolithic exterior. In contrast, its interior features sculpted, flowing curves and intricate textures, creating a juxtaposition between its outer and inner forms. This dual aesthetic is central to the installation's artistic expression. The design process for the monolith was deeply influenced by its insular environment. The installation is only accessible by water, typically via canoe or kayak, underscoring its remote and integrated nature. From the lake, its form and materiality serve as a subtle landmark, designed to pique curiosity and encourage visitors to explore Island no. 22. This integration with the natural setting highlights a thoughtful approach to site-specific art. Logistical constraints of the remote island location informed innovative construction methods. The structure was entirely prefabricated off-site to avoid the need for heavy machinery. Each wooden slab was transported by boat and then assembled manually on-site, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The installation's design and placement were carefully considered to ensure minimal disruption to the rocky outcrop and the surrounding natural landscape. Constructed from CNC-milled laminated cedar, the structure showcases two distinct geometric expressions: an orthogonal exterior shell and an organically shaped inner chamber. The exterior walls are clad with vertical slats, intended to visually harmonize with the surrounding forest. The interior surfaces retain the marks left by the milling tool, creating textures that evoke the natural ripples of wind on water. These toolpaths are the result of meticulous experimentation, illustrating how industrial processes can be leveraged to produce perceptual and poetic experiences. 'Faire le vide' represents a confluence of place and craft, where artistic vision and fabrication techniques are intertwined. The installation fosters a dialogue between human intervention, natural materials, and the rhythms of the landscape. It functions as a threshold, bridging the visible and invisible aspects of the environment and celebrating the poetic qualities of both place and time. The project emphasizes that art can emerge in unexpected locations, prompting a re-evaluation of how individuals perceive their surroundings and find meaning in the simplicity of the present moment. #PublicArtInstallation #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrefabricatedConstruction #CNCmilling #CedarWood #QuebecArchitecture #RemoteInstallation #SiteSpecificArt