By: Nathalie Rivard
Since early April, Season 2 of the French-language series Karine et la maison jaune is available on Crave. Across 10 episodes, viewers discover a renovation project rooted in the Lac-Brome region, one that goes far beyond aesthetic choices to address a fundamental question: how do we truly inhabit a place, particularly in a rural setting?
A collaboration with Les Ensembliers
It is within this context that Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette, of the design studio Les Ensembliers, joined the project. By contributing to this second season of Karine Vanasse’s Maison jaune, they offer much more than a transformation; they bring a thoughtful reflection on the art of living.
Based in the region since 2011, Maxime and Richard first lived in two homes in Knowlton before acquiring a farm in Bolton-Ouest, where they now reside full-time. Ironically, their first property was also… a yellow house, which previously belonged to Francine Ruel. Their farm, Ferme Humminghill, is not open to the public; instead, it serves as a laboratory for living and creating. There, they grow flowers and produce honey, maple syrup, and artisanal vinegars, as part of a broader commitment to diversification and a deep connection to the land. This initiative continued with the opening of Maison Brome, a boutique dedicated to artisans and meaningful objects, on June 18 in the heart of the village of Knowlton.
An integrated approach
At the core of their practice is a still relatively uncommon approach: a turnkey model that brings together architecture, design, and construction under one roof. This comprehensive process, from concept to completion, ensures a rare level of coherence and helps avoid compromises along the way. For them, unforeseen challenges do not dilute the original vision; they become opportunities to push the project further.
They joined the project in Season 2, after well-known actress Karine Vanasse had already taken it as far as she could on her own during the first season. However, the scale of the work, particularly the condition of the barn, called for a higher level of expertise.
Renovate or rebuild
Their own experience had already exposed them to complex realities. In a house they once lived in, extreme humidity and a high water table made renovation nearly impossible, there was even marsh-like ground in the basement, even… frogs. This realization shaped their perspective: not every house can be fully saved, at least not in a coherent way.
This is where the project truly took shape. Rather than holding on to a failing structure, Les Ensembliers chose a clear-eyed approach in their own case: to demolish, but to do so thoughtfully. An ecological demolition that invites us to rethink our reflexes and consider the broader impact of a project, beyond its appearance.
Thinking beyond the house
Because renovating in the countryside is not just about updating a kitchen or modernizing a façade. It requires thinking about the land, water, and infrastructure. A septic field, for example, can affect the balance of a site or even pose a risk to a nearby pond. These invisible factors must guide decision-making.
In Karine Vanasse’s project, every choice was part of a broader vision: to create a living space that is coherent, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its environment. This also meant reimagining existing structures. The barn, for instance, was not turned into a secondary residence, as is so often the case. Instead, it retained its identity while taking on a new, complementary role.
Emotion and community
Beyond technical considerations, however, lies the essential: emotion. “How will we wake up in this place… how will we live in it?” Maxime Vandal reflects. A home, especially in the countryside, is not defined by square footage, but by lived experience. That is why the project also placed strong emphasis on local artisans. The connections formed during filming extended well beyond the show, revealing a genuine sense of community, one that is deeply valued in the region.
In the end, La Maison jaune is more than a renovation project. It is a manifesto. An invitation to slow down, reflect and ultimately, to inhabit a place differently.
To learn more about Les Ensembliers, visit https://ensembliers.com/ or their farm at www.fermehumminghill.com/en.
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