House 139

Model of the project

House 139 is a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic Montreal home, thoughtfully designed to blend tradition with modern living.

This residence features two distinct and fully independent apartments. The first apartment, located on the ground floor with seamless, level access, is tailored for an elderly couple. It offers a harmonious layout that includes a spacious living room, a dining area, a well-appointed kitchen, a laundry room, a guest WC, and a serene master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Central and rear outdoor spaces offer accessible and private retreats, seamlessly extending the living area into nature. Ascending to the second and third floors, the second apartment is envisioned for a family of four, providing ample space for both communal living and private moments. This apartment encompasses a versatile workshop, a welcoming living room, a dining area perfect for gatherings, a modern kitchen, a laundry room, a guest WC, and a master bedroom. Additionally, two children’s bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, offer personal sanctuaries. Outdoor spaces at the center and rear of the apartment invite sunlight and fresh air, creating a natural extension of the indoor living spaces.

The architectural form of House 139 is a refined, straightforward volume that harmonizes with its surroundings. At its heart lies a central courtyard, which gradually expands as one ascends, creating a funnel-like effect that channels sunlight deep into the core of the home.

This thoughtful design mirrors the natural behavior of plants reaching towards light, maximizing brightness throughout the project. In keeping with the character of the neighborhood, the facade is clad in the traditional brickwork that defines the area. This brick screen is more than just a nod to the past; it functions as a smart environmental filter, allowing the gentle warmth of the winter sun to penetrate while shielding the interiors from the intense heat of summer. This screen also creates a transitional space between the bustling main street and the private entrance steps, where the iconic Montreal exterior staircases are reimagined—protected and set back from the public eye. The workshop, which pierces through this screen, establishes a unique connection to the street, offering a distinctive focal point within the project. Balconies, typically found on the facades of neighboring homes, are ingeniously relocated to the central patio, recreating a communal and social space that rises through multiple levels, fostering diagonal interactions and imbuing the project with a sense of inward connection. This layout enhances the home’s identity as an "introverted project," where private and communal spaces are delicately balanced. The rear facade, facing the northwest, is completely open, ensuring that the rooms at the back are bathed in natural light throughout the day. An emergency staircase, subtly integrated into this facade, adds both function and form. Inside, the service areas are strategically placed at the core of the home, ensuring smooth, intuitive circulation around the central patio, which serves as the house's luminous heart.