House in Sherive: From a 1970s Cottage to a Permanent Residence — Renovation with Respect for History

House in Sherive: The Evolution of a Summer Cottage into a Primary Residence

As reported by ArchDaily, at the very heart of the Sherive domain in Magog, Quebec, stands a house built in the 1970s as a recreational cottage. Over the decades, it has undergone several phases of renovation, gradually evolving into a family retreat. Now, architect Paul Bernier faced a new challenge: adapting it for permanent living.

Architectural Approach

Projects like this always strike a balance between preserving the spirit of the place and meeting modern comfort standards. The wooden architecture characteristic of Canadian cottages is reinterpreted: openings are enlarged, luminous spaces are added, and materials are selected with the harsh climate in mind. For the Magog region, set near Lake Memphremagog, aesthetics and energy efficiency are equally important.

From Seasonal to Permanent

Moving from seasonal to year-round occupancy requires a fundamental rethinking of layout and engineering systems. Insulation, heating, ventilation — all must operate on a different schedule. Paul Bernier's project shows how a thoughtful renovation can give an old wooden house a new life while preserving its character and connection to nature.