Share to
Maison Flora
By : A4 Architecture + Design Inc.
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN 18th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Private House > 2 000 pi2 (> 185 m2) : Gold certification
Maison Flora: between simplicity, memory, and sustainability
A project anchored in a global ecological vision
From the earliest stages of the project, the clients expressed a strong desire to design a residence that joins comfort, carefully thought-out materials and respect for the principles of sustainable development. This ambition guided the entire design, shaping every decision with a rigorous approach based on LEED standards and Passivhaus principles.
A reinterpreted and contextualised typology
Located in the Vieux-Hull sector, a redevelopment area in downtown Gatineau, Maison Flora redefines the traditional matchbox house typology by translating it into a contemporary architectural expression. Its narrow, slender volume preserves the human scale of the urban landscape while establishing a strong interaction with the surrounding built fabric.
The project does more than simply adopt an aesthetic that is consistent with the local heritage: it revisits it with a meticulous approach that associates urban densification and quality of life.
Materials designed for durability and sensoriality
Every material has been selected with durability and refinement in mind. The shell benefits from advanced insulation and triple-glazed windows to maximise thermal efficiency. Meanwhile, the choice of interior finishes favours noble, timeless textures: polished concrete, FSC-certified hardwood, and biodegradable linoleum are combined to create a space that is both robust and harmonious.
Beyond the technical aspects, the materiality of the project contributes to an immersive sensory experience in which light, textures, and space interact to create a warm, uncluttered atmosphere.
A flowing organisation and structured programming
The project offers a flexible transition between open spaces and more intimate areas. On the ground floor, the living spaces form a coherent whole, where transparency and spatial continuity foster interaction. The upstairs accommodates the family cell in a composition providing both functionality and comfort. Finally, the mezzanine, extended by a terrace, creates a space for observation and reflection, in dialogue with its immediate surroundings. With its unobstructed view over Parc Fontaine, it reinforces the relationship between the home and the urban landscape.
Maison Flora is a residence where high-quality design and space offer a coherent and sustainable architectural response, designed to evolve with its occupants.
Collaboration
Architect : A4 Architecture + Design Inc.
Interior designer : A4 Architecture + Design Inc.
Photographer : TARMAC - Damien Ligiardi
Other : Écohabitation
General contractor : Belvedair
Engineering : Blanchard Letendre Engineering Ltd
Manufacturer : Maxi-Forêt
Manufacturer : Inline Fiberglass
Manufacturer : Luxor Architectural
Manufacturer : Genyk
Manufacturer : Mercier
Photo credit