Contemporary by Nature

Country Life
Knowlton, 2018
Country Life — Knowlton, 2018

Rebirth of a colonial farm house

Les Ensembliers were commissioned to find the perfect farm for city dwellers, as it was a long-time dream for the clients. When Maxime and Richard entered the long white picket fence alley... they knew they had found the right place.

The project included a total renovation and extension of the main 5,000-square-foot house, and reconstruction of auxiliary buildings. The concept was of playing with contrast between a traditional shingled exterior and a streamlined contemporary interior. The windows were redesigned, beams were exposed, ceilings raised, and attic space was reclaimed while introducing cutting edge elements such as fireplaces, built-ins and lighting—a balancing act between preserving the old and bringing in the new.

A tailored chef's kitchen located in the heart of the house represents the fusion of the old and the new home's identity. Custom white oak cabinets with a mat linen hand finish can be found throughout the whole kitchen, and a cozy dining room is open and adjacent to the space. Our clients take most of their intimate meals in the room, right by a wood fireplace that burns on most of the cold days. The generous and open main living area acts as both a dining and living room, making it perfect for them to entertain on the weekends.

They can now build their dream life in the country.

    “This farm is the perfect tension between old and new.”
    —Richard Ouellette
    “The wood fireplaces are always crackling whenever we visit them…the smell, the noise, the warmth of the place…the way they live now here at the farm is the best possible gift for us as Designers and Architects.”
    —Maxime Vandal
    “This farm is the perfect tension between old and new.”
    —Richard Ouellette
    “The wood fireplaces are always crackling whenever we visit them…the smell, the noise, the warmth of the place…the way they live now here at the farm is the best possible gift for us as Designers and Architects.”
    —Maxime Vandal