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Le Rodriguez
By : Fomo Design
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Residential annex : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Low Cost Design : Bronze Certification
Redefining Living Space: A Multifunctional Residential Annex
« The idea of creating something that, in itself, will continue to create—family moments, memories, laughter, art, projects—brings us indescribable joy. That’s what gets us up in the morning. »
Le Rodriguez, named in honor of its home ground, St-Alphonse-Rodriguez, is a 136 square foot multifunctional residential annex designed to be used as a garden office, guest suite for family and friends, or simply as additional living space to promote a better work-life balance. This prototype currently fulfills all these functions within a multigenerational family property in the Lanaudière region.
Delivered and installed in one day, this pavilion combines serenity, simplicity, and functionality and adapts to all types of climates. While the covered balcony protects from overheating in the summer, the slope of the architectural steel roof is designed to withstand the rigors of the Quebec winter climate, particularly the substantial snow load. This solution, although slightly complicating the design, prevents any risk of accumulation and overload, ensuring the safety and durability of the structure throughout the seasons. Special attention was paid to making the annex structure as resistant as possible to increasingly strong winds due to climate change.
The simple and effective design of this project reflects the desire of its creators to prompt municipalities to consider the simplicity and efficiency of residential annexes as a solution to the housing crisis. The project’s goal was to demonstrate that it is possible to create small spaces that are aesthetic, ecological, functional, and affordable to promote intimate cohabitation on the same property.
An open and bright design and extensive fenestration have the effect of creating homogeneity between the building’s exterior and interior. The amber orange and earthy red serve as a vibrant focal point, invigorating the space and inviting creativity, while respecting the visual harmony created by healthy and natural materials such as pine and lime plaster. This contrast aims to highlight the purity of the natural materials used, while offering a touch of retro warmth. A central fireplace was emphasized for warmth and conviviality, and a modular lighting system. The lighting, fully adjustable with LEDs, allows the creation of various atmospheres, while the strategic use of steel for the exterior wall, extending the roof, offers durability and a modern touch contrasting softly with the wood.
The choice of materials focused on the healthiest, most local, and ecological options available to promote well-being AND minimize the environmental impact of the prefabricated construction process. The traceability and availability of local, healthy, and ecological materials presented significant challenges in the project’s realization. Finding suppliers who could guarantee not only ecological materials but also sourced from local and responsible sources required extensive research and close collaboration with sustainable development experts. This process was essential to maintaining the project’s commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices.
The Eastern white pine cladding, VOC-free stain, hemp-based lime plaster, hemp wool insulation, and premium Leed® certified moisture-adapting sealing membranes illustrate a desire to make conscious choices for both health and the environment. Doors and windows were sourced from a construction material recovery center to promote reuse.
The interior layout maximizes storage in the drawers of the built-in sofa and above the horizontal cherry wood murphy bed, as well as the spacious, fold-away desk with an outdoor view.
Faced with design challenges such as space constraints and transportation weight standards, every aspect was thought out to ensure the sealing and durability, while respecting the legal dimensions for road transport. The realization of this prototype had a marked experimental character. From initial design to modeling, from construction to installation and custom manufacturing of all elements, including furniture, to the creation of a website promoting the prototype, this project represents a true integrated creative adventure for Fomo Design.
Collaboration
