Camp Mercier’s New Pavilion: Where Tradition Meets Sustainable Design
Situated at an altitude of 783 meters in the Laurentian Mountains, just 45 minutes from Quebec City, Camp Mercier has been a cornerstone of outdoor recreation for over half a century.
Known as one of Quebec’s premier cross-country skiing destinations, the site draws not only skiers but also researchers, students, and nature lovers who seek to explore its vast landscape and rich biodiversity throughout the year.
In 2018, the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) initiated a comprehensive review of the camp’s aging reception pavilion. The findings were conclusive: the existing structure had outlived its purpose.
Tasked with redefining the site’s welcome area, Anne Carrier architecture was brought on board to design a new pavilion—one that would honor the camp’s heritage while meeting modern standards of functionality, sustainability, and accessibility.
The new design draws deeply from the region’s architectural roots, echoing the humble forms of traditional logging camps. With its wooden structure, low-pitched roof, and minimalist volume, the pavilion stands as a contemporary homage to the forest traditions of Quebec.
Vertical cladding in dark spruce mimics the texture of sawn timber, while carefully placed openings create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evolves throughout the day, reflecting the ever-changing natural environment.
This architectural dialogue between structure and setting is further enhanced by expansive windows that frame panoramic views of the landscape, allowing daylight to flood the interiors.
The contrast between dark exterior cladding and the lightness of these transparent apertures reinforces a visual metaphor rooted in nature—the contrast between bark and core, shadow and light.
Wood is at the heart of the project—not just as a material, but as a guiding principle. The pavilion employs diverse wood construction techniques tailored to each space’s specific requirements. Structural beams span open areas with ease, while ventilated semi-outdoor zones utilize openwork wooden facades.
More private spaces are enclosed with locally sourced timber, stained in hues that both protect and accentuate the material’s natural warmth. Interior spaces are unified by wood-paneled ceilings and furnishings that provide a sense of calm continuity throughout.
This thoughtful use of wood earned the pavilion the prestigious Cecobois 2025 Award of Excellence in the “Institutional Building” category. The jury praised its cohesive design and seamless integration into the landscape, highlighting how engineered and light-frame wood systems were deployed with elegance and precision.
Beyond architecture, the pavilion’s relationship to its environment has been carefully considered. Landscaped slopes encourage winter sliding, while outdoor gathering areas offer relaxation around fire pits. The building’s layout—single-story and universally accessible—places it closer to ski trails, shields it from wind, and opens it to the sun, ensuring a warm, functional space for all seasons.
Photography by Maxime Brouillet and Adrien Williams
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