What to know before building a Scandinavian house in Quebec?
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 22
The Scandinavian style continues to gain popularity in Quebec, particularly for its elegant simplicity, warm comfort, and natural adaptation to cold climates. At Plan Maison Québec, we're seeing a growing interest in Scandinavian homes, whether new construction or renovations. These homes, inspired by Nordic countries, offer a lifestyle centered on simplicity, light, and well-being—elements perfectly in tune with Quebec's realities.
Before embarking on your envie to build a Scandinavian house in Quebec, it's essential to understand the architectural foundations of this style as well as the technical considerations specific to our climate. Here's what you need to know to successfully bring your project to fruition.
Architecture designed for well-being and functionality
Scandinavian architecture is based on three main principles:
Functionality
Light
Integration into the natural landscape
Originating in the 1950s in Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, this architecture aimed to address climatic constraints while creating pleasant living spaces, even during the long winters.
The lines are generally straight and clean, with no superfluous elements. The idea is to keep things simple, but not banal. Scandinavian houses favor simple shapes, often rectangular, with gable roofs, which facilitate snow drainage—a key asset in Quebec.
At Plan Maison Québec, we adapt these classic shapes to local regulations and the clients' personal tastes. For example, we can incorporate a mezzanine, a habitable basement, or even an attached garage without compromising the Scandinavian spirit.
Roofing, materials and exterior coverings
Roofs are often sloped, but their pitch varies by region. In a climate as harsh as Quebec's, a steeper slope is often preferred to prevent snow and ice accumulation.
When it comes to materials, wood reigns supreme. Exterior cladding is often made of natural or painted wood, in light shades or the famous Swedish reds (such as Falu Rödfärg), rich in history and aesthetics. This deep red, emblematic of Scandinavian rural homes, blends beautifully with Quebec's forest landscapes.
Combinations of wood and concrete, wood and metal, or wood and wood fiber are also available, depending on budget and desired thermal performance. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer plans that take into account local material availability, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Construction: a well-thought-out design from the start
A Scandinavian home is not something to be designed lightly. Its apparent simplicity actually requires great rigor in planning and implementation. This is why calling on an expert like Plan Maison Québec can make all the difference.
The first essential step is the orientation of the house. The Scandinavian style relies on natural light, a precious commodity in winter. It's therefore important to position the main windows facing south and organize the rooms according to the sun's path. This not only allows for maximum natural light but also reduces heating requirements.
Plans must also incorporate high-performance insulation solutions. In a Nordic climate, energy efficiency is a priority. The use of high-density insulation, triple-glazed windows, properly installed air barrier membranes, and high-efficiency heating systems (such as heat pumps or radiant floors) is fully in line with the Scandinavian philosophy.
Foundations must be designed to withstand Quebec's freeze-thaw cycles. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer custom plans, taking into account soil type, slope, water table, and local climate conditions.
Interiors: between minimalism and warmth
Contrary to popular belief, Scandinavian style isn't cold or impersonal. On the contrary, it's very warm, thanks to the abundant use of wood, natural lighting, and minimalist yet elegant decor.
Spaces are open, functional, and bright. Large open-plan areas often combine the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The goal is to create a sense of space and conviviality, ideal for family life.
The dominant colors are light: white, pearl gray, and beige, with accents of light wood and a few touches of black or pastel colors. Materials such as linen, natural leather, wool, and raw stone enhance this simple yet elegant ambiance.
At Plan Maison Québec, our interior plans are designed to maximize natural light throughout the day, with generous openings, skylights, and space-saving partitions.
Scandinavian plans, suitable for all lifestyles
One of the great advantages of Scandinavian homes is their modularity. Whether you dream of a small wooden cabin in the woods, an elegant townhouse, or a large family cottage, the Scandinavian style can be adapted to your needs.
A Scandinavian plan from Plan Maison Québec can include an integrated garage, a finished basement, a covered terrace, or even a home gym. Thanks to our expertise in custom plan design, we adapt the volumes, layouts, and architectural details to your lifestyle and budget.
Eco-responsible design: a fundamental aspect
Respect for the environment is an integral part of the Scandinavian philosophy. The idea is to build a sustainable, energy-efficient home that blends harmoniously into its surroundings. This involves:
Using renewable materials such as local wood.
Proper solar orientation to limit heating needs.
Efficient, energy-efficient mechanical systems.
Green or planted roofs in some cases.
Optimizing volumes to reduce heat loss.
At Plan Maison Québec, we make it a point to integrate these principles into each of our projects. We can also advise you on current standards (such as Novoclimat, LEED, or local grants for energy-efficient homes).
What to avoid when doing a Scandinavian project
Building a Scandinavian home isn't simply about adding a sloped roof and a few wooden beams. There are certain pitfalls to avoid:
Underestimating the importance of solar orientation.
Using materials unsuitable for Quebec's climate.
Overly cluttering the interior design, which compromises light and comfort.
Neglecting energy efficiency, which risks exceeding heating costs.
Relying on specialists like those at Plan Maison Québec ensures you avoid these mistakes and achieve a home that is as beautiful as it is functional, durable, and comfortable.
Conclusion : build a Scandinavian house in Quebec
Building a Scandinavian home means choosing a bright, warm, eco-friendly home that's perfectly suited to the Quebec climate. But for this project to be a success, it's essential to have well-thought-out plans that comply with local standards and are perfectly suited to your needs.
At Plan Maison Québec, we pride ourselves on assisting each client in designing personalized plans for houses, cottages, or garages, in a Scandinavian style that respects Nordic codes while blending harmoniously into our Quebec environment. Together, let's make your Nordic dream a tangible, sustainable, and welcoming reality.
Contact Plan Maison Québec today to discuss your project.
Comments