white cladding envelops la musette gabled village hut in canadian hillside

Nicolas Côté and Kevlar Habitation set up La Musette in Quebec

La Musette, a collaborative project between Nicolas Côté and Kevlar Habitation, rises as a response to the increasing interest in outdoor living in Canada, especially with the rise of telecommuting. Departing from conventional territorial expansion, their approach advocates for reinvesting in villages instead of encroaching on natural landscapes. The project, initially conceived by Nicolas and his partner Sophie, aligns with sustainability and environmental responsibility, integrating seamlessly with the aesthetic of Notre-Dame-de-Ham village. Situated in the Appalachian hills, the residential project respects the village’s identity while showcasing innovation and sustainability in land development, reflecting Quebec’s capabilities.

all images courtesy of Nicolas Côté

La Musette Bridges Tradition and Innovation in Compact Design

The house, while contemporary, maintains a connection to traditional architecture with simple forms, pitched roofs, and white cladding. La Musette prioritizes compact, intelligent design to optimize space without sacrificing functionality or comfort. Versatile in its use, the house accommodates telecommuting, family gatherings, and daily living. The design incorporates cost-effective materials like plywood, ensuring warmth and authenticity within an accessible budget framework. Nicolas Côté, along with Kevlar Habitation, proposes La Musette as an invitation to enhance villages, emphasizing harmony with nature. Beyond being a residence, La Musette embodies a philosophy promoting sustainable development and encouraging reflection on spatial inhabitation for the future of small communities.

La Musette responds to the growing interest in outdoor living and telecommuting in Canada

the project advocates for reinvesting in villages instead of encroaching on natural landscapes

La Musette seamlessly integrates with the aesthetic of Notre-Dame-de-Ham village in the Appalachian hills

the contemporary house’s simple forms maintain a connection to traditional architecture

the project prioritizes compact design to optimize space without sacrificing functionality or comfort

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La Musette promotes sustainable development encouraging reflection on spatial inhabitation

the project reflects a response to the increasing interest in outdoor living and telecommuting trends

the contemporary design maintains a connection to traditional architecture, emphasizing simplicity

the residence inspires a new approach to spatial inhabitation in small communities

project info:

name: La Musette
architect: Nicolas Côté

construction: Kevlar Habitation | @kevlar.habitation

location: Notre-Dame-de-Ham, Quebec, Canada

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom