monochromatic house's geometric forms frame natural plateau in canada

Diptyque by Matière Première Architecture stands on rocky slope

Rooted in Stanstead’s Eastern Townships, Canada, Diptyque by Matière Première Architecture blends into its environment, forging an organic connection between the built form and the natural landscape. The residential project is positioned on a diminutive plateau, meticulously placed between a narrow stream leading to a soft waterfall and a pronounced rocky slope. The architectural firm focuses on leveraging the site’s natural aesthetics by designing a streamlined 120 sqm dwelling. This minimalist approach takes cues from the surrounding environment as the house’s design emphasizes its connection with the stream by incorporating strategic window placements and a layout that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces. The site-specific adaptation follows a bold design concept featuring a split saltbox roof bridged by a transparent walkway.

all images by Ian Balmorel

dynamic structure frames the natural backdrop

The core objective of the concept is to shape a dynamic structure that uses its surroundings as a backdrop while incorporating a streamlined layout centered around its framed vistas. To actualize this, the architectural studio  conceives a design featuring a saltbox roof, bifurcated at its ridge, and bridged by a glass walkway. This division between the two primary sections highlights their distinct purposes. The first segment incorporates a carport and a versatile room equipped with a glass garage door that faces the stream. In contrast, the second, more substantial section, houses the primary living areas. Both sections are characterized by single-slope cathedral ceilings, adding an element of majesty to the spaces.

Diptyque’s building plan divides in two main parts

The building program arranges two main segments, the carport with the mudroom which doubles as a multi-purpose room, and the main living quarters. At the home’s forefront, the carport serves as a practical solution for vehicle accommodation and offers a sheltered area for various activities. The space forms a transitional link from the exterior to the home’s interior providing dual functionality as a mudroom and potential compact gym. A glass garage door ensures a seamless connection with the natural surroundings. The main living area features a cathedral ceiling and large square windows which frame the views of the creek along longitudinal space.

monochromatic palette and subtle materiality

Built by Nu Drom, the design group’s affiliated construction company, Diptyque is characterized by a monochromatic aesthetic presenting a black wood exterior contrasted by white interiors. The black window frames provide consistency to the design, making a notable visual statement against the plateau setting. The minimalist color scheme accentuates the architectural precision, carving a distinct outline of each structure against the ever-changing landscape.

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project info:

name: Diptyque

designer: Matière Première Architecture | @mpa_nudrom

construction: Nu Drom

location: Eastern Townships, Stanstead, Canada

photography: Ian Balmorel | @ianbalmorel

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom