natalie dionne architecte: maison e3

‘maison e3’ by natalie dionne architecte, montreal, canada image © marc cramer all images courtesy of natalie dionne architecte

located in the jean-talon market of montreal, canada, quebec-based practice natalie dionne architecte has recently completed ‘mason e3’. the multi-leveled house has horizontal brown brick elevation with large panes of glass that penetrate two-thirds of its face. espresso stained marine-grade plywood lines the entrance which cuts into the surface of the building to provide a sheltered threshold to the dwelling. the rear is clad in polished concrete where the glass sliding doors mimic the same alcove characteristic of the front. long parallel planks make up the back patio with a simple rock garden.

the windows at both ends of the structure and a skylight allow natural light and ventilation to penetrate the interior. sliding wooden shutters provide a filter to the sun and summer heat. a central staircase connects the different levels of the house together, while the 12-meter atrium divides the space into two volumes. the six rooms are featured on their own floor with a mezzanine studio and terrace at the top. the kitchen island is made of steel and walnut, while the cabinets, armoires and storage areas are made with maple-veneer plywood. the bedrooms have wide pivoting doors which allow the users the option to open or close the area based on their need for privacy and social.

front facade with alcove detail image © marc cramer

(left) interior hallway (right) exterior doorway image © marc cramer

kitchen image © marc cramer

walnut and steel island image © marc cramer

sliding doors to patio image © marc cramer

atrium space image © marc cramer

skylight image © marc cramer

split levels image © marc cramer

image © marc cramer

central atrium with staircase image © marc cramer

maple-veneer plywood detail image © marc cramer

shutters filtering light image © marc cramer

project info:

name of project: maison e3 location: montréal, canada architect/designer: natalie dionne architecte project manager: natalie dionne design team: natalie dionne and martin laneuville contributor: claude lafrance engineer: alain mousseau of calculatec contractor: pierre aubin steel: paul duchaîne cabinetmaker: stéphane bilodeau artwork: françois vincent area of project: 300 square meters project completion: 2012 photographer: marc cramer