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A tranquil woodland sanctuary, this chalet welcomes guests into a relaxing space specially designed to enhance their well-being.
After years of dreaming about building a chalet with serene spaces that enhance well-being and are also accessible to people with reduced mobility, the clients tasked architecture firm _naturehumaine with the design of their ideal cabin for rent. Located in a woodland in Eastman, Canada, the lodge occupies a compact plot of land, with a variety of tall trees surrounding the building. Self-builders, the young couple had a clear vision of the concept. Their detailed brief included not only the need for accessibility, but also the monochrome white exterior and the name “selenite” – a nod to the crystallized gypsum that is believed to have soothing properties.
Inspired by selenite’s appearance and relaxing quality, the studio designed the lodge as a cube with two crystal-like roofs topped with skylights. Both the wood cladding and the metal roof boast a white paint finish. The two skylights illuminate the living room and the bathroom. As a result, these rooms have higher ceilings which enhance the feeling of space and openness. The main living area features a custom kitchen, dining space and living room, all with access to views of the forest thanks to glass doors and floor-to-ceiling glazing.
Accessible to people with mobility issues or disabilities, the cabin features specially designed furniture, equipment and clearances. In the attic, guests have access to a sauna, a steam bath, a cold bath, a spa, and a salt room. Following the concept of tranquility and harmony, the chalet features a lighting system that synchronizes to the guests’ circadian rhythms, enabling guided meditation sessions in all rooms.
The studio used the clients’ choice of materials to make Selenite as eco-friendly and accessible as possible. Apart from hemp wool insulation, this chalet also features a Faraday cage envelope for people with electro-sensitivity and VOC-free finishes. Photography© Raphaël Thibodeau.
