Residence De la Roche in Montreal

Montreal-based architects of human nature have just finalized a contemporary home for a young family. They tell us more about this project.

"A couple with two young children wants to transform a duplex, located in the Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie borough in Montreal, to develop their home. The transformation project consists in preserving the frontage on the street while enlarging the existing volume in the backyard.

Suspended above the dining room, a volume carved at an angle sheltering the master bedroom passes through the glass facade. Also, a set of steel blades unfolds in front of the fixed windows of the secondary entrance and the double height lounge. Adding a depth of field, this wall filters looks and modulates the entrance of light in the living rooms facing south.

A contrast is established between the gray tones of the suspended volume coated with fiber cement and the copper tones of the alcove including the patio door with 3 sliding panels. By its geometry in angle, the advance of roof connects the addition to the templates of the neighboring buildings and framing of a frank line the composition of this facade.

Inside, the staircase settles under a large skylight and becomes the focal point of the house. It is divided into 3 entities; the marble steps made of the first steps, the Russian cherry wood landing that continues in the family room to become an office and finally the last flight of steps supported by a white steel stringer surmounted by a steel railing perforated. Through each room of the house, the built-in furniture like concealed doors and monochrome tones express a desire to live in a warm, soothing and minimalist space. "