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Maison Melba’s Renovation of 1970s Garage in Southern Quebec’s Countryside


(Photo: Alex Lesage)

Maison Melba is located on the border of southern Quebec's peaceful fields and farms, but on the other hand, it proves to be an outstanding cave witness to the true power and the effect of sensitivity and responsible renovation in the architectural field. This formidable project that was once nothing else than a nondescript 1970s automobile garage has undergone an incredible transformation. The outputs of the efforts have a multi-faceted function, which includes values of sharing as well as hospitality and conservation gems in all the different aspects of the design and functionality of this project.

A Hub of Activity and Sustainability

Getting inspiration from the lush ecosystem of Frelighsburg, Maison Melba has become a multi-functional building over time. Not only does it represent a dwelling, but it is also a vibrant platform for sophisticated development and social involvement. Inside it, you have a habitation and an extremely diverse working space, including a close-knit workshop and culinary production. Additionally, the farm hosts a greenhouse and a garden with fresh vegetables, representing its main thrust of self-sustenance and sustainable living.

The buildings of Maison Melba show the essence of the place in its termless and harmonious relation to nature. Filled with beautiful and environmentally friendly materials, the owner can expect a slow metabolism design that perfectly balances the need for art and performance, hence a unique tranquil space that is equally stunning as it is sustainable. Right in the center of the whole venture, a large colonnade crunches through the construction, creating an intriguing transitional place filled with natural light. Here, cleverly selected furniture coupled with a broad range of materials act as a province where residents and visitors can feel inspired by the subtle interplay of textures, colors, forms, and nature- the best manifestation of craftsmanship ever.

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(Photo: Alex Lesage)

External Elegance and Environmental Responsibility

Externally, Maison Melba exudes an air of noble simplicity that effortlessly blends with the surrounding landscape. The durable steel roof and weathered wood cladding lend the building a timeless quality, while their gradual aging over time only deepens the structure's connection to its environment.

However, what sets Maison Melba's beauty apart from all else is its skin-deep radiance, and it is a great example of environmental conservation and responsibility. Purposefully aimed at obtaining the LEED Platinum certificate, the building hosts extremely green characteristics: solar principles and advanced insulation materials function together to decrease energy wasted and simultaneously showcase environmental consciousness.


(Photo: Alex Lesage)

Maison Melba\'s triumph perfectly shows that all the hard work of an extensive spectrum of suppliers, producers, designers, artisans, and consultants has definitely paid off. Regarding intelligent landscape design by écomestible to the rigorous due diligence process undertaken by écohabitation, there is no lack of effort with each step aimed at an overall sustainable and innovative development.

Eventually, House Melba can be more than just a building- a House of Hope and Future that lights up thousands of peaceful dreams when the world seems so fragile and uncertain. With conservation, sustainability, and community participation as its core tenets, this architecture projects a new way forward for the future, where it is greener, more sustainable, and more accessible for many.

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