Maison du Ruisseau Canada Le local design

16 Sep 2025

With Maison du Ruisseau, Le local Design proves that existing structures can be enhanced and made more sustainable.

Photo credit: James Brittain

Faced with current environmental and economic challenges, renovation is emerging as an essential alternative to new construction. Maison du Ruisseau, transformed by Le local Design, embodies this eco-conscious approach. It proves that it is possible to renovate a space while preserving its history and treating the site with respect.

More than a simple aesthetic refresh, the Ruisseau project represents a true metamorphosis, guided by both a pragmatic and sensitive vision, where respect for the existing structure and adaptation to contemporary needs guided each intervention. Carried out with meticulous attention to detail, it has preserved the soul of the place while giving it a new lease on life.

A bold but respectful transformation

When the owners of Maison du Ruisseau entrusted their project to Le local Design, they had a clear goal: to preserve the spirit of the family cottage, while making it comfortable and functional enough for a family of five. They also wanted to solve humidity issues, as the house suffered from drainage problems around its foundations, as well as a lack of natural light and poorly optimised spaces under the roof slopes. Rather than a total reconstruction, the design team chose to take advantage of the existing structures.

“We need to lose the reflex of tearing everything down to start from scratch. The construction industry is one of the most polluting, so we need to learn to work with existing buildings to preserve what is relevant and has character,” emphasises Rebecca Bourque, designer at Le local Design. “We love challenges, especially when clients allow us to push our ideas further and think outside the box—which was the case with the owners of Maison du Ruisseau.”

The extension extends the renovated house, which retains its vernacular form, but without its original ornamentation, in order to tone down its typically Canadian appearance. A smaller twin building was constructed in the same spirit—traditional form and gabled roof—and then connected to the first by a central section. With its flat roof and offset volume, the latter creates a striking contrast. The house as a whole thus strikes a balance between the past and the present. The exterior materials were chosen for their consistency and durability: wood burned using the Japanese technique of shu sugi ban adds a contemporary touch while contrasting with the white shingles of the new cottage.

Light, flow, and functionality

One of the major challenges of this renovation was to optimise the interior space in order to provide a functional and harmonious living environment for a family of five. The old house, which was too small and compartmentalised, lacked fluidity and light, with its small windows and restricted spaces.

Relocated to the central section, the house now has a secure door and an entrance hall with a large, functional vestibule—an essential space for this family of sports and outdoor enthusiasts, who can return from their adventures without dirtying or cluttering the rest of the house. The kitchen has been streamlined and modernised. The original wooden beams and slats on the ceiling have been preserved. Built-in storage has been installed, minimising the need for additional furniture that would clutter the space.

One of the most notable changes is the improvement in natural light. The old skylights have been replaced by a large one, maximising the amount of light and recovering precious square footage in the attic. In addition, the master bedroom, which previously had only a small high window, has been opened up to the outside with a large bay window, allowing one to enjoy the sunrise and views of the surrounding landscape. The staircase has also been redesigned.

The extension also made it possible to create a separate cottage, offering a second living room, a games room, and an open dormitory. This reorganisation has considerably improved the family's comfort, as well as allowing them to welcome guests in a warm and harmonious environment.

Facing a new reality

Le local Design took an eco-friendly and pragmatic approach. The team favoured local and sustainable materials, such as wood and sheet metal, to ensure the longevity of the construction while reducing its environmental footprint. Rather than rebuilding everything, priority was given to enhancing what already existed and preserving the identity of the space. Each area was optimised to make the most of every square foot, creating a functional and balanced living environment.

The landscaping, entrusted to La Roche Posée Paysagiste, reinforces this transformation by integrating outdoor spaces conducive to relaxation. Nature trails, a pergola, and a terrace now offer a fluid continuity between the interior and the wooded environment. Thanks to large bay windows, the house opens widely onto the landscape, inviting nature into the heart of the home.

A model for smart renovation

Thanks to meticulous and thoughtful intervention, Maison du Ruisseau is now brighter, more functional, and better integrated into its surroundings. This transformation has succeeded in renewing the space without altering its character, preserving its identity while optimising its potential. Harmoniously combining modernity and heritage, Maison du Ruisseau is a fine example of how built heritage can be intelligently reinterpreted and contemporary architecture integrated.

Through this project, Le local Design clearly demonstrates that the constraints imposed by existing structures stimulate creativity and encourage the exploration of innovative and sustainable solutions. This approach reflects a paradigm shift in the construction sector, where preservation and reuse are increasingly favoured over systematic demolition.