House of the Future 2024/25 competition Innovation Award winner - Nicolas Lapierre

 We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Innovation Award winner of our House of the Future 24/25 competition – Nicolas Lapierre from Canada!

Nicolas Lapierre with Team

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Atelier L'Abri works at all scales : from micro-shelters to masterplans, the practice focuses on a responsible approach to architecture. Atelier L'Abri is known for their Passive House constructions, Hospitality projects in nature, and more recently winning the East Shoreline International competition, an 8 km long resiliency masterplan project for Quebec City.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Atelier L'Abri works at all scales : from micro-shelters to masterplans, the practice focuses on a responsible approach to architecture. Atelier L'Abri is known for their Passive House constructions, Hospitality projects in nature, and more recently winning the East Shoreline International competition, an 8 km long resiliency masterplan project for Quebec City.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture shapes our daily lives and our future. To practice architecture is both a responsibility and and opportunity to build environments that are beautiful, meaningful and sustainable. The role of the architect is to practice this art with openness, care and respect, in order to have a positive impact on our well-being and our world.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

 We participate in architecture competitions to challenge our practice and explore new innovative and sustainable ideas. Competitions offers us an opportunity to apply our approach to a responsible architecture to new contexts and regions, and participate in shaping the future of our global built environment.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions are an opportunity to experiment, dare and push your design ideas to their fullest. They are a great space to shape and develop your practice with a clear alignment on your vision and values. Competitions have allowed our practice to grow into new territories, leading to new work opportunities.