This Beautiful 'Bird Hut' Retreat Is Perched High Among The Trees

Formerly a humble shed owned by a lumberman, this cool, contemporary retreat in the heart of a forest is designed to connect with its natural habitat, stretching over three floors.

The one-storey shack in Quebec was converted into ‘La Colombière’ (meaning ‘Dovery’) by YH2 Architecture to provide a restful space that the owners could escape to when they wanted to enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

To ensure that its natural habitat remained preserved, the footprint of the building remains true to the original, building upwards rather than outwards, mimicking the growth of the trees that surrounds the plot. By doing this, the architects managed to ensure that none of the trees were cut down, nor any heavy machinery used throughout the process.

To help the new 120 square-metre property blend into its surroundings, the building has been clad in dark cedar timber shingles, while inside the building is painted a crisp, contrasting white.

The jewel in the crown of the building is essentially the ‘bird’s nest‘, an intimate nook with a huge picture window and covered terrace that looks directly out to the tree canopies beyond, offering a calm, contemplative space for people to relax in.

The ground level is a light and airy open-plan space with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that lead directly out to the forest. The house is punctuated by glazing, especially up the stairwell, offering glimpses of the lush greenery beyond while also letting in as much natural daylight as possible.

Black-framed windows contrast with the white interior, while honey-coloured timber adds warmth against the raw concrete floors on the ground floor. The decor is pared-back and minimalist to ensure the sole focus is on the surrounding forest.

YH2 Architecture won an award from the Ordre des architectes du Québec for the project in 2015.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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