microclimat renovates and extends hôtel-de-ville residence in montreal

microclimat renovates and extends hôtel-de-ville residence in montreal
all images by adrien williams

canadian architecture practice microclimat has completed the expansion a family home in montreal’s le plateau-mont-royal neighborhood. the extension, which occupies the intermediate area between the property’s back yard and existing living quarters, has been articulated around a large poplar tree. the design team was tasked with creating a building that both enlivened the existing residence — named ‘hôtel-de-ville’ — and established a new dialogue with its surrounding environment.

the extension occupies the intermediate area between the property’s back yard and existing living quarters

two large openings were cut into the existing brick wall, creating a natural flow of light and space towards the narrow extension at the rear of the plot. a contrast is established between the original home, which dates back to 1885, and the new addition through a steel staircase that serves as a filter between internal and external space. this stairway not only connects the dwelling, but also allows a complete reorganization of its original layout.

the family home is located in a suburban neighborhood of montreal

two sunrooms contained within the extension offer comfortable reading spaces at both ground and first floor level, allowing occupants to enjoy the surrounding environment throughout the year. at the uppermost storey, a new volume houses the master bedroom, with direct access to a rooftop terrace. this area of the home cantilevers above the garden, thus providing additional floor space for its inhabitants.

the narrow extension viewed from the rear of the plot

the home’s internal layout has been completely reorganized

a natural flow of light and space has been established

two sunrooms contained within the extension offer comfortable reading spaces

a steel staircase serves as a filter between internal and external space

a contrast is established between the original home and the new addition

at the uppermost storey, a new volume houses the master bedroom

direct access is provided to a rooftop terrace

this area of the dwelling cantilevers above the garden

axonometric drawing

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project info:

architect: architecture microclimat
structural engineer: geniex
general contractor: paquet construction urbaine
area: 1,700 sqf / 158 sqm
completed: 2015
photography: adrien williams