Anzeige AZR-T1-englishTV-468x60 R8

Anzeige AZ-Artikel-728x250 R8

La Duette by Natalie Dionne Architecture

Photographer: Raphaël Thibodeau

Projects (e)

 

A new home for two families brings new life to a quiet Montréal neighborhood dating back to the 50’s and 60’s. In its own, unassuming way, this recent building is part of a movement that is gradually transforming Montréal’s traditional streets, as a growing number of young families are moving in.

la duette natalie dionne architecture 02

la duette natalie dionne architecture 03

A new home for two families brings new life to a quiet Montréal neighborhood dating back to the 50’s and 60’s. In its own, unassuming way, this recent building is part of a movement that is gradually transforming Montréal’s traditional streets, as a growing number of young families are moving in. They are looking for friendly surroundings, but also for a contemporary way of life.

la duette natalie dionne architecture 04

Named La DUETTE in reference to the duet, intended for two performers, this new house was designed for a brother and a sister wanting to live under the same roof with their respective families. One of them occupies the upper two floors while the other one is on the lowest level. The challenge of bringing natural light to both interiors despite strict zoning regulations was a welcome opportunity for Natalie Dionne Architecture.

la duette natalie dionne architecture 05

The architectural concept

La DUETTE literally evolved from 3D models, which allowed the architects to explore the potential of this narrow site without contravening existing regulations. The virtual model was extremely useful in shaping the project, but it also helped the designers discover unexpected views and exterior living spaces.

la duette natalie dionne architecture 06

The upper unit of this new three-storey duplex is accessible from the front façade, off the street. Access to the lower unit is from the side alley. A small marquee above each entrance signals their presence from the street and helps create a feeling of intimacy for both families.

Set slightly below ground, the lower unit is a two-bedroom apartment with a living area extending outside to a small private courtyard. Light floods in from the large openings at the back as well as from side windows.

At the front of the house, stairs lead up to the upper unit, which is raised above the street level. The ground floor is treated as an open-concept living space. The kitchen and the dining area are directly connected to a generous covered terrace overlooking the back alley. The master bedroom, two children’s bedrooms, and a small play area are on the upper floor.

Two solutions for maximizing natural light were envisioned. The first was to “fold” the lateral façade inwards, creating a recess large enough to accommodate two sets of windows facing each other. A major source of natural light, these windows also provide unexpected views. The other solution was to incorporate a skylight intended to cover the stairwell so completely as to appear practically invisible.

Interiors and materials

Transparency is key to this project, particularly in the upper unit where light abounds and unexpected views pop up, out of the blue. The sculptural stairs, which float above the floor, create magical moments. Everyday gestures become poetry. A seamless glass partition separates the master bedroom from the stairwell, reinforcing the effect of transparency. Long curtains insure intimacy.

natalie dionne architecture 07

Maple veneer is used throughout on huge doors and partitions meant to keep services out of sight. The warm presence of wood makes up for the cooler feeling of materials such as the floors’ polished concrete and the windows’ aluminum frames.

The black staircase stands in stark contrast with its white surroundings. Partially suspended to a sheet steel divider, its sculptural effect is accentuated by the shadows created by the natural light coming from the skylight above.

Exteriors and materials

The building is predominantly clad with light-color clay brick, conferring the narrow structure with a monolithic expression. The choice of this durable, noble material for all three façades was intended to stress the importance of dealing respectfully with Montréal’s urban landscape, including its back alleys.

la duette natalie dionne architecture 08

A playful entry porch enlivens the minimalist composition of the tone-on-tone façade. The gray-painted steel stairs and marquees contrast with the light-hearted graphics of the laser-cut guardrail. Eastern cedar used for steps and soffits adds a final touch to the overall composition.

La DUETTE evolved from a desire to provide two families with modest yet comfortable homes on a tight urban site. This recent addition to the neighborhood is the expression of a renewed urban typology. It is also the built proof that contemporary ways of life, and close connection with nature, can be integrated into the city’s traditional fabric.

Data Sheet

Name of the project: La Duette
Location: 12eme avenue, Rosemont, Montreal, QC, Canada
Area of project: 3 237 ft2 / 300.7 m2
Project end date: Automn 2019
Architects: Natalie Dionne Architecture
Design team: Natalie Dionne, Corinne Deleers, Rosemarie Faille-Faubert and Martin Laneuville
Clients: Sophia Lormeus and Patrice Éthier, Annie Éthier
Contractor: OVI construction
Engineer: Latéral
Cabinetmaker: OVI ébénisterie
Photographer: Raphaël Thibodeau

la duette natalie dionne architecture 11

la duette natalie dionne architecture 12

la duette natalie dionne architecture 13

la duette natalie dionne architecture 14

Klare reduzierte Formsprache und helle, lichtdurchflutete Räume spiegeln den kühlen, rationalen und zugleich funktionalen Bauhausstil der frei planbaren Design-Saunahäuser von Westerhoff perfekt wider. Bildquelle: Westerhoff

Außenraum

Das Stadttheater Dortmund verbessert seine Energieeffizienz seit 2017 mit dem integrierten Gebäude- und Energiemanagementsystem Qanteon. Quelle: Theater Dortmund

Fachartikel

Video: Mavix, Hugo Tirso Domínguez, www.youtube.com/@arquitectonica_

Projekte (d)

Chambre Climatique, 2024, Glas, PLA, Mycelium, Pflanzen, Erde, Wasser, Licht, Wärme, 240 × 200 × 200 cm, Courtesy: der Künstler und Wentrup, Berlin © der Künstler und Galerie Stadt Sindelfingen. Fotograf: Kilian Blees

Termine

Bildquelle: EeStairs / Hans-Morren

Innenausbau

In der 16. Folge des „simplicity – einfach bauen“-Podcasts diskutieren Carina Hahn, Lars Krauß, Rebekka Pottgüter und Rolf Mauer die Bedeutung von Einfachheit im urbanen Raum der Zukunft und wie diese Synergien mit nachhaltigen Bauweisen schafft.

Menschen

Carina Hahn & Lars Krauß – Einfachheit in der Stadt von morgen – 38 % trifft Simplicity

Premium-Advertorial

Transparenz auf 24 Seiten: Die gesamte EPD für Sita Polyurethan Bauteile ist auf der Sita Website einsehbar.

Unternehmen

Anzeige AZ-Artikel-728x250 R8

Anzeige AZ-C1a-300x250 R8

Anzeige AZ-C1b-300x600 R8