A remarkable architectural transformation has taken place in the rural countryside of Frelighsburg, Quebec, where Atelier l'Abri has successfully converted a former 1970s automobile garage into an innovative sustainable living space called Maison Melba. The 450-square-meter project, completed in 2023, represents a thoughtful approach to preservation and sustainability while embodying the owner's values of community sharing and hospitality.
The renovation project tells a compelling story of sensitive restoration within Quebec's agricultural landscape, nestled among characteristic meadows and orchards of this southern Quebec region. The original garage structure has been completely reimagined as a living space that actively welcomes community engagement and collaborative project development, moving far beyond traditional residential concepts.
The architectural team, led by Pia Hocheneder, Vincent Pasquier, Nicolas Lapierre, and Francis Martel-Labrecque, approached the project with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The building achieved LEED certification through Écohabitation, demonstrating the team's dedication to sustainable construction practices. The project incorporated high-quality materials from renowned manufacturers including Dinesen, Duravit, Kebony, FLOS, INTERNORM, Kastella, Steico, Velux, and Vipp.
Construction Modulor served as the main contractor for the project, while Robert Harvey Ing. provided general engineering services. The landscape design was handled by Écomestible and Braska, ensuring that the building's relationship with its agricultural surroundings remained harmonious and productive. The collaborative effort extended to specialized consultants who helped achieve the project's ambitious sustainability goals.
The transformation goes beyond mere renovation, representing a philosophical shift toward community-centered living. The space has been designed to facilitate gatherings, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, making it a hub for local community activities. This approach reflects growing trends in rural architecture where buildings serve multiple functions beyond private residence.
Photographer Alex Lesage captured the completed project, documenting how the former industrial structure now seamlessly integrates with its pastoral setting. The visual documentation reveals careful attention to both interior spaces and the building's relationship with the surrounding landscape, showcasing how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into forgotten structures.
The project represents a successful example of how historic preservation can align with contemporary sustainability goals. By choosing renovation over demolition, the team reduced construction waste while preserving the embodied energy of the existing structure. This approach demonstrates that environmental responsibility and architectural innovation can work hand in hand to create meaningful spaces for modern living.
