In the rural folds of southern Québec, a mechanic’s garage has been reimagined as a refined, energy-conscious home. Behind its understated silhouette lies a meticulous Passive-House retrofit, where generous spaces open to the landscape and Douglas floors set the tone. Maison Melba is an architecture of restraint and longevity, designed to endure as gracefully as the land around it.
Residential - Frelighsburg, Québec, Canada
Architect: Atelier L’Abri
Photographer: Alex Lesage
_______________
Douglas Natural
Thickness: 28 mm. / US 1.1"
Width: 300 mm. / US 11.81"
Length: 5-7 m / US 16' 5" - 22' 116"
Finish: White Oil
In southern Québec's agricultural heartland, a former 1970s automobile garage has become Maison Melba—a space for living, creating, and gathering. Designed by Canadian-based Atelier L'Abri, this Passive House retrofit respects the rural setting, the heritage of the village, and the owner's values of generosity, collaboration, and sustainability.
The low horizontal form echoes its original purpose. It is now clad with Kebony wood, which will turn silver over time, and a steel roof, which resists the influence of the elements. Beneath a weeping willow, time seems slower, and architecture allows nature to lead.
The transformation begins in a central skylit corridor with local stone connecting the interior to the landscape, serving as a crossing point. Wide Douglas Natural flooring adds softness and warmth to the calm, open plan. Light filters through large windows and across lime-coated walls, while linen curtains and Dinesen Collection furniture in white-oiled Oak create intimacy and a sense of well-being. The workshop features industrial materials and neutral tones, creating a bright, adaptable backdrop for creative work, culinary projects, and gatherings.
Maison Melba is more than a residence; it is a collaborative space embedded in its environment. Every element, from the interior to the exterior, communicates the same language—ranging from the floors, furniture, and lighting to the subtle sustainable technologies. Everything envisions architecture that endures and nurtures community.
Maison Melba will evolve with the seasons and continue to inspire for decades to come.