Maison Melba, Frelighsburg
A place for living, creating, and gathering
Along a quiet road that winds toward the border of Vermont, Maison Melba stands as a thoughtful reinterpretation of rural Quebec architecture. Rooted in the landscape of Frelighsburg—a region defined by rolling meadows, orchards, and agricultural heritage—the project embraces its surroundings with an understated presence. Captured beautifully by photographer Alex Lesage, the building reveals a warm dialogue between place, architecture, and community.
What was once a modest 1970s automobile garage has been transformed by Atelier L’Abri into a contemporary environment where living, working, and gathering unfold naturally.
A Sensitively Renewed Rural Structure
A Sensitively Renewed Rural Structure
Anchored in values of preservation and sustainability, the vision of Atelier L’Abri sought to enhance the essence of the existing structure rather than overwrite it. Their passive-house approach informed every detail, resulting in a calm and high-performance envelope that respects the rural heritage of Frelighsburg. Achieving LEED Platinum certification, the project embodies a holistic mindset in which architecture, ecology, and daily life coexist effortlessly.
Spaces Designed for Purpose and Connection
Outside, a greenhouse and small-scale vegetable garden extend the project’s philosophy of self-sufficiency. Most of the harvest is consumed or processed on-site, strengthening the connection between living, growing, and making—a principle deeply embedded in the project.
FORMANI INC – Refined Geometry by Piet Boon
Smooth curves and an excellent grip define the character of the INC by Piet Boon hardware series. Originating from a pure cylindrical volume, the design takes shape through the subtle flattening of the circle and a tapered end, creating the gentle inclination from which the series derives its name.
This sculptural transition results in hardware that feels fluid and natural in the hand, while its minimalist geometry aligns seamlessly with refined architectural environments.
In Maison Melba, the INC collection complements the building’s calm, material-driven aesthetic. Its understated presence and tactile qualities integrate naturally into the project’s careful detailing—reinforcing the clarity, comfort, and timelessness that define the space.
