Atelier Stoke by APPAREIL Architecture

A simple wood and steel building that houses two workshops and blends them into nature.

Built in a wooded area close to an expanse of water in the Eastern Townships, Canada, Atelier Stoke perfectly blends into the landscape tanks to an understated design that draws inspiration from Nordic design principles. APPAREIL Architecture also referenced vernacular architecture in the wood and steel building, establishing a link to Quebec’s farmhouse typology. The owner worked closely with the studio to create a minimalist, self-built structure with a strong relationship to nature. The simplicity of the building aims to emphasize the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

For the exterior, the team used hemlock cladding and vertical battens as well as a steel roof. More than just durable, the materials require minimal maintenance. At the same time, they will develop a patina over time, changing with the seasons to become an even more natural part of the setting. Inside, the building houses two separate workshops: one for lute crafting and the other for cider production. A staircase separates the two areas while also providing access to a cantilevered mezzanine level. The workshops have their own separate entrances, with a protected gallery space on the ground level linking the access to each atelier. Filled with natural light, the generously sized interior spaces connect the workshops to the landscape. Photographs© Félix Michaud.