Owl's Shield House | Atelier Schwimmer

Contextual integration and formal expression

Conceived as a protective shelter within the forest, the chalet turns its back to the road and prevailing winds, embracing an introspective approach to privacy. A cantilevered roof extends over the large glazed façade, mitigating solar gain, while preserving the uninterrupted connection between interior and landscape. The architectural language is one of restraint and precision, where a seemingly austere form conceals a refined spatial experience attuned to its environment.

Materiality and durability

The selection of materials ensures longevity and contextual harmony. Vertical cladding in ASTM A242 type B (Corten) steel, soffits and ceilings in white cedar, and a waxed concrete floor collectively create a tactile dialogue between built and natural environments. Over time, the steel’s evolving patina shifts from vibrant orange to deep brown, resonating with the seasonal hues of its surroundings—snow, rock, and foliage—while reinforcing the structure’s timeless presence.

Spatial strategy and passive design

Organized on a single level for long-term accessibility, the plan adheres to a clear logic of privacy and openness. The monolithic steel façade provides seclusion, while generous glazed openings introduce natural light into the bedrooms and the great room, heightening the contrast between shelter and exposure. A subtle interplay of ceiling heights marks transitions between intimate and communal zones, reinforcing a sense of spatial fluidity.

Passive house principles guide the design, ensuring thermal efficiency and resilience. The south-facing orientation maximizes solar gain in winter, with an overhang strategically positioned to mitigate summer overheating. The thermal mass of the concrete floor stores and gradually releases heat, optimizing comfort. The highly insulated north façade acts as an environmental shield, while an intelligent vapor barrier adapts to hygrothermal variations, enhancing the building’s performance.

Technical autonomy and environmental considerations

The chalet is designed with a self-sufficient infrastructure, featuring an autonomous water purification system, an artesian well, and a septic tank with a gravity-fed drain field. Electricity is sourced from the hydroelectric network, minimizing environmental impact.

This project embodies a nuanced dialogue between architecture and landscape, where materiality, orientation, and form coalesce to create an enduring, contextually sensitive retreat. It stands as a testament to a design philosophy that values longevity, integration, and the evolving beauty of natural materials.

Team: Felix Schwimmer, Zeinab El Kheshen, Raid Rached, Marie-Philippe Tétreault

Photo: Phil Bernard