Research & Innovation

Lapointe Architects' interest in community development, tectonics, locally available materials and non-industrial building processes have led to a variety of projects that are both commissioned and self-initiated; independent and collaborative.

Examinations of the technology inherent in natural forms, traditional First Nations' building practices, and the qualities of local materials reveal complex principles of structure, appropriate building solutions for the Boreal and Acadian type forests, and a manner in which to bring built form and site together in the most literal way. The resulting architecture is thoughtful, efficient, sustainable and naturally beautiful. It is evocative of traditional methods, but ultimately contemporary, demonstrating principles of material conservation, site ecology, and appropriate strategies for building that challenge preconditioned thinking in consumer culture.