Header: Ulysse Lermerise Bouchard – OSA images
Tucked away in the woods of Sutton, Quebec, a new residence proves that smaller can indeed be better. Known as Maison de la Coulée douce, this 3,990-square-foot home is the work of interior design studio La Nony FAMILI and architectural designer Le Local Design. Built on a slope overlooking a quiet pond, the house was shaped by a unique challenge: a sudden budget shift that forced the team to rethink the entire build while the foundation was already being poured.
Instead of seeing this as a setback, the designers spent forty-eight hours stripping away a full floor and condensing the plans. The result is a compact, long-form house that prioritises the daily needs of a multi-generational family over grand, empty spaces.
Micro-cement and mineral textures
The heart of the home is a sunken living area that feels more like a carved sculpture than a standard room. The designers chose micro-cement to create built-in furniture and a central fireplace, a material choice rarely seen in Quebec’s rural landscape. This mineral finish extends into the main bedroom, giving the interior a raw, tactile quality often found in Mediterranean or Mexican homes.
By using these earthy materials, the team created a space that feels solid and permanent. The neutral walls act as a canvas for the changing light that filters through the trees, while the furniture, made of cotton, linen, and rattan, adds layers of softness to the stony surfaces.
Functional layouts for shared living
Privacy is the biggest hurdle for any home housing multiple generations. At Maison de la Coulée douce, the layout uses functional “volumes” to separate different areas of life. A large block containing the mudroom and pantry sits between the kitchen and the main living area, acting as a buffer that keeps the cooking space feeling tucked away and quiet.
Aza Lussier, the project manager at La Nony FAMILI, focused heavily on how the family would feel as they moved through the house. The team used acoustic treatments to ensure that different age groups could coexist without noise carrying between floors. To keep the energy feeling light, they integrated arches and rounded edges into the walls and lighting, which helps people move through the hallways without hitting sharp corners or feeling boxed in.
Local craftsmanship and natural wood
The forest setting is reflected in the heavy use of wood, which covers most of the ceilings and makes up the custom cabinetry. Working with local Sutton artisans like Gaiac and Jean François Néron, the designers ensured every piece of furniture felt tied to the region.
Large windows are positioned specifically to look out over the pond, making the water a constant part of the interior backdrop. By sticking to a palette of artisan tiles and light timber, the house feels like an extension of the outdoors rather than a box dropped into it.
Maison de la Coulée douce shows that great design can often come from making tough choices. This house is built for the long haul, designed to support a family’s changing life while staying firmly rooted in the Sutton forest.
Project info
Project Name: Maison de la Coulée douce
Architecture: Le Local Design and La Nony FAMILI
Interior Design: La Nony FAMILI
Project Manager: Aza Lussier
Location: Sutton, Québec, Canada
Year: 2025
Photography: Ulysse Lermerise Bouchard – OSA images
General Contractor: Duchesne et Frères
