Most homes follow a conventional floor plan: living areas, kitchen and dining room on the lower level and bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. That arrangement works well for many families, offering ease for entertaining while keeping sleeping areas private. In some sites, however, the landscape and views call for a different approach. Perched in the lush landscape of La Malbaie, Quebec, and oriented to capture river and mountain panoramas, this contemporary residence by a49montreal flips the usual layout: the public living spaces occupy the upper level to maximize views, while private bedrooms and bathrooms are arranged below.
The exterior palette is deliberately restrained and rooted in natural materials: cedar and pine cladding on the lower volume contrasts with sleek sheet-metal roofing that folds across the upper mass. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors dissolve the boundary between interior and landscape, allowing sunlight and uninterrupted river views to become part of the living experience. This strategy makes the upper-level open plan—living, dining and kitchen—the visual and functional heart of the home.
Inside, the interior design leans toward modern minimalism while remaining warm and inviting. Neutral tones, simple lines and quality natural finishes create a calm backdrop to the dramatic views beyond the glazing. The living area centers around a comfortable gray sectional and a fireplace, forming a relaxed focal point for conversation and lounging. Nearby, the dining area and kitchen are arranged in an open layout that encourages social interaction and fluid movement between cooking, dining and the terrace.
The kitchen follows a modern, pared-back aesthetic: wood cabinetry paired with white surfaces and a darker island for contrast. This restrained combination highlights clean geometry and practical workspace, while keeping sightlines toward the view uncluttered. Large sliding glass doors open from the living and dining areas to an upper-level deck designed for al fresco dining, extending the indoor entertaining zone directly onto the landscape.
Downstairs, the private areas emphasize comfort and simplicity. Bedrooms are finished in calming gray and white tones that promote rest, while bathrooms adopt a crisp black-and-white palette and contemporary tile patterns. One of the bathrooms features hexagonal gray-and-white tiles that lend texture and graphic interest to the otherwise refined material scheme.
Thoughtful built-ins and space-saving elements further enhance the home’s livability. Custom bunk beds with integrated storage and lighting sit next to the staircase on the lower level, providing efficient accommodation for guests or children while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The circulation around the house is carefully considered, with a curated walkway and subtle exterior lighting that guides movement and frames the architecture at night.
Outdoors, a generous deck and pool create layered outdoor rooms that take full advantage of the panorama. The upper deck provides direct access to outdoor dining and seating that feel like an extension of the interior living space, while the pool and terrace below offer a more private setting for relaxation and recreation. Carefully composed sightlines draw the eye toward the river and distant hills, making the landscape an integral part of daily life in the house.
Overall, this contemporary home in La Malbaie demonstrates how a reversed floor plan can be an intelligent response to site: placing the public rooms on the upper level amplifies views, light and connection to outdoors, while the lower floor provides quiet, private retreats. The result is a balanced, modern residence that feels both minimal and cozy, elegantly rooted in its landscape. [Photography: Stéphane Brügger]
