This house is accessed through the roof. See what's underneath.

A modern wooden house nestled on the steep slope of the Memphremagog Lake shoreline in the Quebec region of Canada has been designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The structure, created by the yh2 architecture studio, is located on a parcel characterized by a dramatic terrain that descends toward a narrow strip along the lake. The dense forestation often casts the area into shadow, giving the interior spaces of the house a sense of privacy, calm, and almost primal simplicity. The architects describe their design as a direct response to the striking character of the location, aiming for respectful coexistence with the natural features of the site. The architectural concept revolves around the idea of retreat. Rather than completely disappearing into the landscape, the house's presence is intended to be as subtle as possible. The building comprises two distinct yet connected volumes that follow the contours of the land, appearing as though they rise organically from the terrain. Both volumes feature a single-pitched roof with opposing slopes, a form that echoes the lines of the surrounding countryside while visually reducing the scale of the structure and dividing it into more manageable sections. The wooden house merges with the landscape. Photo Maxime Brouillet One of the most intriguing elements of the project is the flat roof of the main volume, which serves as a viewing platform. This space functions simultaneously as an entrance, terrace, and vantage point offering panoramic views of the lake. “This horizontal surface, rare on such a steep terrain, represents a link between architecture and nature, between tactile experience and distant sight. Entering the house thus gains almost a ritual quality, beginning with a moment of quiet observation and awareness of the space,” say the architects. In 2026, the architects of the yh2 architecture studio received the prestigious Prix d’excellence en architecture award for this residential project. The prize, awarded by the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ), recognizes architectural works distinguished by excellence in design, innovation, sustainable approach, and contribution to the quality of built space. Among 24 finalists, twelve projects were honored, including the house in question. The main body of the house is elongated and follows the natural terrace on the hillside. The architects chose not to significantly alter the existing landscape but instead adapted the house to fit the terrain. As a result, the structure blends almost imperceptibly into the environment, emphasizing the principle of restrained intervention. Interior spaces open up through large glass surfaces towards the lake, effectively blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor areas. A similar continuity exists between the interiors and the balconies, making the transition between the house and the exterior nearly seamless. The upper parts of the house, both long-shaped, face different directions, one towards the lake, the other towards the hills. Bedrooms, placed within these two volumes, are surrounded by trees, whose canopies serve as natural backdrops that change with the seasons. Such a layout allows nature to become part of daily life, as views through large glass surfaces shift throughout the day and across the seasons. Colors inside are muted, ranging from natural wood tones to shades of gray and black. Photo Maxime Brouillet The spatial organization within the house follows the topography of the land, creating a reversed sequence of movement through the home. Entry occurs from the upper part of the parcel via a terrace, from which a view of the lake opens up. Central living areas are positioned lower, providing a sort of shelter against the hillside. Materials chosen play a crucial role in integrating the house with its surroundings. The structural framework is made of wood and remains visible and untreated, according to the architects, serving as a response to the distinctive character of the location. Wood acts as a red thread guiding visitors through all spaces.