Maison Northcliffe

Discipline : Architecture

Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Stairs : Gold certification

Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Renovation : Silver certification

Categories : Residential Building / Private House > 2 000 pi2 (> 185 m2) : Gold certification

In this renovation project, a large family wanted to rethink their way of living by enhancing the previously neglected outdoor spaces. Their goal: to better integrate nature into their daily lives through architecture that promotes a fluid connection between the interior and exterior. This desire for openness to the environment, without compromising comfort and functionality, guided all the architectural choices.

The main challenge was to create a living environment that encourages family members to embrace the outdoor spaces. To achieve this, several strategies were implemented to establish a constant relationship with nature. The house's volume was expanded towards the back, with a subtle offset creating both intimacy and continuity between the inside and outside.

This expansion includes direct access to the basement via an English courtyard. In addition to bringing natural light to this often dark space, this opening creates the effect of a floating volume that lightens the visual perception of the structure. The basement thus becomes a bright, inhabited space connected to the garden.

To reinforce this continuity, large glass openings were integrated, maximizing natural light and promoting transparency between spaces. Materials play a central role: pale brick and light cladding contrast with the existing masonry, distinguishing the extension while avoiding overheating associated with darker tones.

A relief pattern with the brick adds an organic quality to the facade. The protrusions capture snow, creating a dialogue with natural elements and reinforcing the house's anchorage in its environment. The facade becomes a living echo to the rhythm of the seasons.

Inside, the layout is designed for family life: a generous entrance with plenty of integrated storage makes daily life easier. The open area promotes interactions while allowing partial closure of certain spaces with modular partitions that preserve light.

The use of biophilic materials, chosen for their texture and warmth, enhances the feeling of well-being. Vegetation, discreetly integrated into the furniture, extends this connection with nature.

Finally, delicate curves in the countertops and doors soften the lines, adding an organic touch to the overall design.

This project goes beyond simple renovation. It reflects a desire to live differently, in balance between intimacy and openness, nature and architecture. A sensitive, thoughtful response to contemporary life.

The project in images