an agricultural form revisited in Quebec
Architect designer Teedah Hammer completes a compact cabin — Kremastra — in a rural village of Quebec. The project nods to the well-known Quonset agricultural structures that dot the area. In this case, the Quonset has been redesigned for the modern lifeits curved steel profile translates into a small house with a footprint covering less than forty square meters.
Hammer describes an early interest in “the superiority that was possible because of the self-supporting nature of the structure,” along with its durability in harsh winters. This combination shaped the decision to build new rather than adapt an existing shell, as it allowed proportions and openings to be coordinated from the ground up.
images © Nathan Van Egmond
a ‘bird’s nest’ overlooks the playful interiors
Designer Teedah Hammer, founder of Quebec studio Hammer&Son organizes the inside of the hanger to express its full height and curved structure. It is designed in both section and top view. Upon entry, the kitchen, dining room and bathroom are located under a mezzanine and form a compressed zone that contrasts with the full height of the living space. From there, sliding doors lead directly to the patio, extending the interior to the exterior.
The mezzanine is for lounging, with a netted area suspended near the upper windows. ‘Being in the net is like a bird’s nest,‘ notes, ‘you are perched on the black walnut canopy seen from the three upper windows.‘
A protective railing surrounds the edge and, as the sun shifts, narrow bands of shadow move across the walls and floor. Meanwhile, a vertical opening on the upper level frames a stand of pines, which Hammer describes as reading like a piece of “living art.”
Windows are arranged to balance light privacy and framed views
teedah hammer playful material palette
The interior palette leans towards light wood and white surfaces, allowing daylight to move easily through the space. With openings at both ends of the building, the light remains even and constant, avoiding sharp contrasts and making the volume appear more expansive.
The floor is created with restored bowling alleys. This introduces layers of maple and pine underfoot, with darker walnut arrows marking former play zones.
‘It was important that the plates were installed in order so that the cuts and sections of wood lined up (so tedious but worth it)‘ says Hammer, describing the flooring process. ‘The dark walnut arrow bands and the merging of the pine and maple woods right after are really beautiful features.‘
the curved steel shell creates a tall interior volume within a small footprint
Against this backdrop, Teedah Hammer selects objects to bring color and variation. Vintage post-modern furniture, local lighting and small artworks create a sense of play.
‘The interior base is quite neutral with all natural materials and white cabinets,‘ She explains. ‘subtle colors and interesting shapes from the vintage postmodern furniture and local art brought that element of fun to the space.‘
A fine mesh appears in various elements, from patio pavers to interior lighting and tiles, combining exterior and interior decisions.
the interior shifts from compressed entry spaces to open living space
Along the exterior, Teedah Hammer combines corrugated steel arches with vertical eastern white cedar siding. Over time, the cedar tone will soften, shift toward gray, and soften the contrast between the industrial roof and the wooded backdrop. The vertical rhythm of the planks aligns with the valleys of the metal shell and echoes the surrounding tree trunks.
A grid of dark pavers defines the patio under a large black walnut tree, while cedar hedges and native plantings create privacy around the edges. Stones uncovered during excavation were reused as retaining walls, planted with low-growing succulents that climb their surfaces during the warmer months.
materials and furniture of local origin shape the character of the space
