Get inspired
  • News
  • Virtual Magazine

  • EN
    • English
    • Español
    • Français
    • 简体中文
Submit
  • GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN
  • My account
  • Inspirations
  • My account
  • GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN
  • Virtual Magazine
  • News
  • EN
    • English
    • Español
    • Français
    • 简体中文

Share to

Skipper

By : ADHOC architectes

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition

Discipline : Architecture

Categories : Residential Building / Multi-unit Housing ≤ 4 storeys : Gold Certification

Located in the heart of the Pointe-Saint-Charles neighborhood, Skipper is a soft densification project established in a highly sought-after residential area. Dating back to the 1890s, the existing building was originally comprised of six deep and narrow units, typical of Montreal’s vernacular architecture. Imagined as a mirrored plan, the expansion reflects the volume of the existing building, allowing for the addition of six new units and the creation of a luminous courtyard conducive to resident gatherings. This intervention effectively doubles the area and the number of units on the property while preserving the historical character of Centre Street, the main commercial artery of the Pointe-Saint-Charles neighborhood.

Facing the Saint-Charles church, the preservation of Skipper’s facade gives it a historical tone, to which our team has added a contemporary touch. The twelve units are organized around an inner courtyard, an architectural typology utilized on several occasions among ADHOC’s projects. This typology addresses the narrowness and typical lack of natural light in Montreal’s housing, offering greater design flexibility. Skipper’s units are cross-ventilated and less deep, allowing for more natural light to penetrate the interiors. They incorporate sustainable principles that leverage passive energies, promoting natural ventilation.

Designed in the image of Montreal’s iconic alleyway living environment, the social purpose of this inner courtyard as a communal space will over time contribute to fostering a sense of community among residents.

Finally, at its core, two young trees mark the beginning of a green oasis that contrasts the ethereal character of the surroundings and provides privacy for the residents.

Skipper’s walkway structure smoothly spans two levels, bridging the existing building with its expansion. Designed with galvanized steel grating, the rounded walkways overlook the courtyard, offering durable, resilient outdoor living spaces that require minimal maintenance for upper-floor occupants. Technical design excellence has allowed for the concealment of several utilities and the preservation of clean lines, enhancing the architectural intervention’s readability. Initially conceived as access ways for the entire project’s units, these walkways ultimately transcend their technical and functional roles to become a standout feature of the project. ADHOC rises to the challenge of transforming this exterior protrusion into a main component of the project. The uniqueness and harmony emanating from Skipper stem from the symmetry of its geometric lines, whose rigidity is softened by the presence and fluidity of its refined curves. ADHOC achieves with Skipper a just and integrated intervention, demonstrating that the city can reinvent itself without losing its nature or affecting its charm and authenticity.

Collaboration

Architect : ADHOC architectes

Engineering : L2C

General Contractor : Cocoon Constructions

Photographer : Maxime Brouillet

The project in images

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

See other pictures of the project

Photo credit : Maxime Brouillet

Filter: Architecture, Home, Home (All), Multi-Family Residence

Stay tuned

Subscribe to the newsletter

INT.DESIGN Magazine

Get the next issue

INT Magazine
  • INT Design

  • Galas
  • Search
  • Contests
  • Articles
  • News
  • Magazine

  • Subscription
  • Customer Portal
  • Communication

  • Contact
  • About

  • PID Agency
  • La Médiathèque du Design
  • Our Story
  • Privacy Policy
Facebook Pinterest
Instagram LinkedIn

© 2025 AGENCE PID. All rights reserved.

Language change