Between Tundra and Sea explores the wetlands of the Basse-Côte-Nord Territory, unique ecosystems that play a crucial role in natural water filtration and carbon storage. These biodiversity-rich areas host a multitude of plant, animal, and microscopic species, underscoring their ecological importance. Representing 1.5% of the territory (60,000 hectares), the wetlands of the Basse-Côte-Nord Territory are living habitats within a landscape often perceived as barren and isolated. My work focused on the main types of these environments: natural peatlands (ombrotrophic and minerotrophic), coastal marshes, and swamps. In Blanc-Sablon, vast open peatlands can be found, mainly composed of brown sphagnum mosses and characterized by a low presence of trees. These areas stand out for their accumulation of organic matter and their acidic pH, forming transitional ecosystems between land and water. The project aims to enhance and preserve these ecosystems while raising awareness among visitors about their richness and fragility. Near the villages, a specific peatland was selected as the main site, thus facilitating access for both local communities and visitors.

The site, located at the entrance of Blanc-Sablon, benefits from a steady flow of travelers arriving by road and ferry. Currently underused, the proximity of this peatland offers a unique opportunity to create an immersive place of discovery. The journey begins with a main pavilion, strategically placed to encourage exploration on foot. Secondary pavilions, scattered across the site, allow visitors to discover different aspects of the peatland. These structures provide varied experiences: rising above, sinking into, or floating over the ecosystem—while preserving its integrity.

The main pavilion welcomes visitors with a gabion wall made of local stone, guiding their passage into the building. The structure blends harmoniously with the topography thanks to subtly sloping roofs and natural materials, such as pre-weathered wood and local stone. Divided into two volumes, the pavilion includes one area dedicated to services and another housing a café with panoramic views of the peatland. An exhibition displays samples of plants and peat, helping visitors to better understand this environment. The structure rests on a concrete base and stilts, creating a cantilever effect. In short, the main pavilion serves as the entry point of the journey, both a place of welcome and discovery. It acts as a transition between the outside world and the beginning of the site exploration, allowing visitors to connect with the natural environment before venturing onto the trails leading to the peatland and other points of interest.

The secondary pavilions, based on a 5x5 m square form, are adapted to provide different experiences. Some structures allow visitors to float above the peatland through transparent floors, while others immerse them directly within the ecosystem. This approach encourages observation of sphagnum mosses, pools, and soil layers while respecting the integrity of the wetland. At the end of the trail, an observation tower offers a 360° perspective, emphasizing the relationship between land and sea. This structure marks the culmination of the project, inviting visitors to reflect on the fragile balance of these ecosystems while admiring their beauty. The project is rooted in a sustainable vision, using natural and local materials to reduce its visual impact and harmonize with the landscape. By evoking the evolution of peatlands and the passage of time, Between Tundra and Sea invites a poetic experience—both immersive and reflective—encouraging deeper appreciation and protection of the wetlands of the Basse-Côte-Nord Territory.