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Résidence de la passerelle
By : Agence Spatiale
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Private House > 2 000 pi2 (> 185 m2) : Gold Certification
Located on 9th Street in the Limoilou neighborhood, this townhouse was conceived with the perspective of gently densifying the urban fabric. The project unfolded within the context of an unusual plot, with a width equivalent to two typical lots in the area, offering greater construction potential.
The owners, both architects, saw in this plot and existing building a potential that no one else truly envisioned. Instead of opting for a multiplex involving the demolition of the existing building, the owners chose an alternative approach, thus preserving the century-old duplex dating back to 1920. The idea of preserving the existing building despite its condition allowed for a judicious use of space, respecting the context, and ensuring the longevity of the structure. The townhouse thus takes its place in an underutilized section of land, an atypical gap with a width of less than 3.5m (12 feet). This strategic choice, in opposition to urban sprawl, allowed for the preservation of the neighborhood’s character. From the outset, this approach of conservation, reuse, and sensitive densification is, for the conceptors, the most ecological and friendly way to integrate into an existing neighborhood.
They desired a townhouse with access to the ground, parking, and a yard, reclaiming some advantages for suburban families in a compact urban version, close to amenities. Thus, the ground floor of the duplex was renovated, the old garages were demolished, and a new multifunctional double garage was built on the alley side, accompanied by a narrow townhouse between the duplex and the neighboring building.
The choice of materials was guided by the desire to remain faithful to the character of Limoilou while introducing a contemporary aesthetic. The curve of the facade, echoing the iconic spiral staircases of Limoilou, is reflected inside in an omnipresent manner. It is found both in the railings and in the interior details, softening the angles and circulations and creating a unique, fluid, and functional interior space. The choice of black cladding sets the residence apart and emphasizes its narrowness, with a resolutely contemporary language.
The building extends at the back to widen beyond the central part. An ingenious way to reclaim space while maximizing exposure to southern light. The two bedrooms are hidden in a portion of the existing duplex floor. Invisible from the outside, this strategy allowed for the allocation of the new fenestration entirely to the living spaces and for limiting the new construction area.
At the rear, the house widens and extends into a footbridge leading to a rooftop terrace on the garage. The courtyard, between the triplex and the garage, offers an intimate space in the heart of the city while greening a space that was previously entirely asphalted. The garage facade on the courtyard side opens onto two large patio doors, acting as a sheltered extension of the courtyard. A work by Cécile Gariépy enlivens the garage doors on the alley side, in continuity with the many colorful murals in Limoilou.
