Inspired by Philip Johnson's Glass House and the Ben Rose House from the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pavilion A is a tribute to modern architecture.
Photos by Adrien Williams and Raphael Thibodeau
In the classic John Hughes movie, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" this house was shown as the famous glass and steel home of the hypochondriac Cameron Frye's house. The home was originally built in 1953 and designed by A. James Speyer, a student of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe whose works include buildings like Downtown's Kluczynski Federal Building, IBM building and much of the Illinois Institute for Technology's campus.
The renovation fell on the able shoulders of design firm, Maurice Martel architects, an agency which represents a creative way of thinking design, materiality, structure and construction in the evolution of contemporary architecture. Founded in 2016, its mission is to stimulate architecture and interior design through built works, critical research, exhibitions and writings.
Having enjoyed a bit of Hollywood history this house was on the market for several years till it was finally sold and renovated to look like an ode to its rich history. Welcoming a four-season swimming pool, this glass pavilion was designed as a veritable oasis in the heart of a garden. During the long Quebec winters, the space allows breaststrokes in the swimming pool, relax in the spa, read under a tropical plant, or do yoga while contemplating the snowy nature. In summer, the pavilion opens onto a long wooden terrace thanks to the large picture windows on one of the facades.
Located outside the glass pavilion, the metal structure gives the roof the impression of floating. The black exterior structure contrasts with the clear and bright interior. The glass walls let in plenty of natural light and the skylights installed on the ceiling maximize the supply of overhead light while protecting from the summer sun. The 360-degree glazing removes the border between interior and exterior and contributes to a change of scenery. The interior layout and its plants on the ground help to create a tropical atmosphere that promotes relaxation. The layout of the large strips of vegetation provides privacy zones whether in the spa, the pool, or on the carpet.
At the heart of the pavilion's orthogonal lines stands out the bathroom. Awarded a prize at the 13th edition of the Grand Prix du Design, this cylindrical bathroom elegantly combines beauty and functionality. Clad in red cedar cleats, this relief column looks like a sculptural element in the pavilion. The warm character of the wood contrasts with the pure and bright interior of the white mosaic. Particular attention has been paid to the furniture and the finishing details that follow the rounded or cylindrical shape, helping to create a singular and harmonious space. The circular opening in the ceiling from which a shower of natural light springs up reinforces the intimate and exotic character of this daring powder room.
With its modern architecture, its luminous transparency, its tropical touch, and its bathroom jewel, Pavilion A magnify the experience of rest and relaxation offered by this space dedicated to well-being.