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Résidence du Moulin
By : Lanterne architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Renovation : Silver Certification
Categories : Residential Building / Private House ≤ 2 000 pi2 (≤ 185 m2) : Gold Certification
Lanterne architectes was commissioned by a young couple for the complete renovation of a residence designed and built in 1971 by Émile Gilbert, Jean-Guy Bergeron, Marie Cloutier and Christian Soucy, then students of architecture.
The resolutely modern, Brutalist-inspired residence features a construction method that was typical for the period, but no less daring for a single-family residence. The house’s structure is composed of four-inch-thick factory-prefabricated prestressed concrete slabs, welded together using steel angles pre-inserted at the time of casting, laid on a massive-looking steel beam and column assembly.
While the structure has stood the test of time, the integrity of the envelope was compromised and required extensive intervention. The project resolved these important issues in terms of the waterproofing and insulation of the envelope, while completely replacing the outdated sheet-metal cladding, ensuring the house’s longevity for years to come.
The fenestration was completely replaced, allowing the addition of opening portions, in rooms previously pierced by square windows salvaged from Complexe G, erected at the same time as the house. The addition of particularly generous bay windows in the kitchen responds to the original constructive logic, while taking advantage of today’s technological advances. This wall section, formerly clad in sheet metal and pierced by small windows, is now entirely glazed, offering a view of the natural topography and pine forest at the rear of the house. The contribution of natural light is softened by the pine trees that line the property.
The residence has remarkable spatial and site integration qualities that have been preserved in the renovation. No trees were cut down during the work. Lanterne architectes transformed the interior of the house in the resolutely minimalist spirit intended by Gilbert, Bergeron, Cloutier and Soucy. The meticulous transformations of the house’s interior plan are carried out in the spirit of the original divisions, which had been lost over time. The house’s exceptional details, notably the round opening in the upstairs study, have been preserved.
From a material point of view, the new interventions contrast with the brutalist character of the original house. A curved wall conceals access doors to the bathroom and family room, softening the rectilinear edges of the structure while nodding to the round opening on the upper floor. This new partition is clad in white oak, as is the solid island in the adjacent kitchen. In this kitchen, the hood is clad in raw metal panels that echo the property’s original concrete slabs and steel structure. Natural pine flooring completes the home’s transformation, bringing warmth to the interior fittings. The new main staircase, in white metal, highlights the double-height volume and is in keeping with the minimalist spirit of the house.
While highlighting Lanterne architectes’ technical skills in terms of envelope refurbishment, the overall transformation of this house reiterates the studio’s interest in preserving modern heritage in Quebec.
Collaboration
Architect : Lanterne architectes
General Contractor : Sira Construction
Manufacturer - Distributor : Mobili
Manufacturer - Distributor : Pano Muro
