Cover The exterior area of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
The exterior area of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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Creating a cosy, contemporary atmosphere for Quebec’s long winter season, the ACDO team transformed this ski chalet into a contemporary winter retreat
Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, a three-decade-old wood chalet has been completely transformed by ACDO, the design studio co-founded by Abe Chan and Sam Khouvongsavanh, both formerly of Yabu Pushelberg. The 2,600-square-foot structure now functions as a sophisticated alpine retreat capable of hosting 14 guests, showcasing the team’s meticulous vision of contemporary comfort.
What stood out to the homeowners was the chalet’s access to Quebec’s Laurentian peaks, while maintaining direct access to the vibrant resort town. The three-decade-old structure could then serve as a sanctuary from the winter weather, while encouraging the homeowner to invite friends and family over for a warm meal.
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Above The exterior of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
The exterior of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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Still, the Quebec chalet presented a notable challenge, with the parameters of 2,600 square feet needing to accommodate a three-story vacation home for up to 14 guests. “This was not a modest renovation, but a complete spatial reinvention,” shared the team. “It became a dynamic winter escape optimised for grand-scale entertaining.”
ACDO’s approach to the design story evokes images of a jigsaw puzzle, with each square foot imbued with a clarity of purpose and intention. ACDO worked in close partnership with VXL Construction, with a particular emphasis on the addition of architectural features and enhanced insulation, while installing a metal roof that can withstand seismic snow loads during Quebec’s heavy snowfall.
The chalet now unfolds across three stories connected by a dramatic, double-height stairwell with full-height glazing, which ensures that light permeates the space and gives guests a glimpse of the upper and lower bedrooms. Brass lighting from the Aria collection of Allied Maker balances architectural illumination with the floor-to-ceiling windows, immersing the homeowners in the breathtaking winter landscape.
Above The living room of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
The living room of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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At the heart of the Quebec home is the open living area, clad in sandblasted oak panelling that balances visual warmth and acoustic softness. The nearby stone fireplace adds contrast to the hearty wooden ceilings, enveloping guests in a profoundly welcoming atmosphere. A custom antler chandelier creates a focal point overhead, while a Montauk sectional sofa in Marcy upholstery creates a seamless seating arrangement. To further enhance the reflective atmosphere of the living room, a Man of Parts’s Mainkai floor lamp scatters illumination across the Holly Hunt Mount side tables. Meanwhile, custom-designed ACDO rugs ground the space with patterns that add organic flow.
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Above The kitchen of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
Above The dining area of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
The kitchen of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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The nearby kitchen features bespoke metal cabinetry, anchored on a breakfast banquette that signals the main gathering space. With its balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal, the integration of seating and cabinetry exemplifies ACDO’s commitment to space-saving strategies in the Quebec chalet. Another notable feature of the space is the wire-brushed plank flooring that extends up the walls. Altogether, the living area and kitchen space share an appreciation for natural materials, with accents of burnt orange, sage green and plaid textures to add cosiness amid the plummeting winter temperatures.
The outdoor patio area of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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Stepping beyond the heart of the home, guests are encouraged to explore the private, mountain-sheltered outdoor lounge and jacuzzi. “We wanted to create a seamless transition into the wilderness,” mused the designers. To do so, they created a sheltered patio that shares the design story of the living room. This space features a Montauk sectional sofa in a rugged neutral hue, paired with a Baxter Nairobi table that mirrors the wood structure enveloping the patio.
The wool rugs strewn throughout the space were designed to add whimsy, as the designers share that they “evoke the presence of a family of bears.” This playful grounding within the space further dissolves the boundaries with the outdoors. Meanwhile, the stone flooring maintains a consistent temperature through radiant heating systems, ensuring that the outdoor area remains usable during Quebec’s long winters.
Above The bedroom of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
Above The ensuite bathroom of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
The bedroom of a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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Returning indoors, the ACDO team points to the drastic changes that occurred in the primary suite. Beneath the exposed pitch roof and beams, the usage of natural wood and stone creates a sanctuary for the homeowners to unwind in after a long day of skiing and entertaining. The sleeping area features an Andes bed flanked by RH side tables, grounded by a custom rug from Beni Rugs. Meanwhile, the crisp air and mountain views filter through expansive windows, complementing the cerused oak with metallic bronze accents in the room’s millwork.
The ensuite bathroom continues the material immersion, as it is carved entirely from monolithic stone. The hammered stone treatment creates textural richness while maintaining the clean lines essential to contemporary design sensibility, creating a space that feels beyond time, yet infused with distinctive refinement.
The lounge of a bedroom located in a renovated ski chalet in Quebec, Canada, designed by ACDO
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Throughout the remaining bedrooms distributed across the upper floor and basement level, the material and atmospheric strategy remains consistent. The basement level accommodates additional sleeping quarters along with recreational spaces, each maintaining the warm wood and stone vocabulary established in the main gathering areas.
Altogether, the designers behind ACDO believe that the Quebec chalet is a testament to their core values of “precision, refinement and design intrinsically tethered to its environment.” While working within the project’s parameters, they creatively pushed the boundaries of what a modern ski chalet could feel like. With this renovation, they have designed a second home that will evolve with the homeowners while staying harmoniously in line with the unforgettable mountain landscape.
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Credits
Photography: Scott Norsworthy
Production: Karine Monié
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
