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Maison Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine
By : Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Continuing Value : Platinum Winner
Categories : Special Award / Heritage Conservation, Restoration & Presentation : Gold Certification
A key component of the revitalization of the entire Îlot Overdale, which stood vacant for more than 25 years, this major restoration project rehabilitates the house to its former splendour. In addition, this project brings back to life its history and that of Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine, its most famous owner, the first French-Canadian prime minister of Canada East, recalling their involvement in important events in Quebec, including the Montreal riots of 1849.
The study and analysis of the heritage, historical, cultural, and architectural value of the residence, as well as the advice of experts, judiciously guided the design and execution choices. Thus, to recover the original neoclassical architectural style, the portico and the staircase leading to the piano nobile as well as a gable roof were rebuilt, the details of the chimneys and the window mouldings were redone, and the woodwork and the rubble wall were repaired. The masonry of the front facade was restored using traditional craftsmanship, taking care, however, to preserve the impact marks caused by the projectiles fired by the rioters, like indelible prints of the past.
To revive the memory of what Montreal was like in the middle of the 19th century, with its vast mansions located on immense green grounds, a large green space planted with apple trees wraps around the grounds, evoking the orchards that long occupied the property.
Collaboration
Architect : Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes
Architect : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes
