Hasta La Ideas

White-painted wooden planks and matching-coloured metal roof panels make up the monochrome exterior of Selenite, a retreat nestled into a forested site in Québec, completed by Canadian studio Naturehumaine.

Named Selenite after the crystalline mineral believed to have soothing properties, the refuge was designed by Naturehumaine to realise their clients’ vision of “combining ecological architecture, wellness and a unique resort experience”.

“The main concept of the project was to offer an inclusive resting place in the forest promoting well-being and rejuvenation,” studio founder Stéphane Rasselet told Dezeen. “During one of the first meetings, the clients told us about the Selenite stone (or moonstone) and its benefits.”

“We thought of this idea of ​​crystalline prisms for the roof design to get away from a traditional roof form while still referencing it in a way,” Rasselet added. “The white color of the house also reinforces this idea of ​​crystal.”

Measuring 36 x 36-feet (10.9 x 10.9-metres), the Selenite retreat sits on a square plan and is topped with two prism-shaped roofs, which are orientated in opposite directions and punctuated with square skylights.

A wooden ramp wraps around the retreat, connecting the driveway to a sheltered entrance, where a full-height glass door provides access to the interior.

Inside, the retreat is finished with a similarly monochromatic colour scheme of white walls and grey-toned floors complemented by wooden cabinetry.

Situated on either side of the entrance hall are two bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling glazed openings looking out towards the surrounding greenery. A shared bathroom topped with a square skylight sits adjacent to this.

Beyond this space, the retreat opens up to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, where large, glazed openings and a square skylight draw light into the interior.

Sliding doors lead out from the living spaces to a large decked terrace, equipped with a spa area and outdoor seating space.

Also hosted within the retreat is a steam bath, cold bath, sauna and salt room complemented by additional features such as a lighting system that synchronises to a visitor’s circadian rhythm.

“The thermal facilities provided in the space allow you to do a complete relaxation circuit,” Rasselet said. “Particular attention was also paid to finishing materials so that they are as healthy as possible for users.”

Elsewhere, a Swiss chalet has been renovated with mid-century modern furniture to transform it into a secluded retreat, while a lakeside retreat in Austin has been clad in weathering steel.

The photography is by Raphaël Thibodeau.

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