Notre Dame / Le Born Rizk Architects
+18
- space:
2000 square feet
general:
2019
Pictures: Maxime Broiler
Manufacturers: fablitaAnd Trees and timberAnd Bowerstone Shale Company-
Principal Architects:
Amani Rizk
Text description provided by the architects. Le Borgne Rizk Architecture, an award-winning Montreal-based firm renowned for applying creativity, technical competence and aesthetic sensitivity to create functional, functional and harmonious buildings, proudly presents Notre Dame, two semi-connected residential triplexes located in Montreal. Southwest region. The project stands out for its reinterpretation of classic design elements of Montreal’s triumvirate, as well as its innovative reinterpretation of prevailing neighborhood themes.
“The challenge from the start was to design a building with a distinctive character, but one that would blend into the fabric of the neighborhood,” explains Amani Rizk, partner and co-founder of the company. “This part of Notre Dame is quite eclectic, and the site is flanked by a huge housing development on the right and a quaint commercial building on the left.”
Reinterpretation of the past. The project was implemented by Construction Cocoon Inc. , a residential development company that acts as a client and contractor. Built entirely from scratch on a vacant lot, Le Borgne Rizk envisioned a modern interpretation of a traditional Montreal trio, which historically features an exterior front staircase. With surrounding condominiums designed primarily with internal staircases, the company focused on a design that would bridge the gap between traditional elements and the characteristics of the existing neighborhood.
“We wanted the structure to blend in with its surroundings, but without simply repeating everything for this purpose,” says Ms. Rizk. “This can be tricky when starting out on a vacant lot, and you need to play with setback, alignment, elevation, and more to make it your own.” In doing so, the company worked closely with the City of Montreal to ensure that its design would meet stringent municipal harmonization requirements. Le Borgne Rizk identified some common design elements that had to be incorporated in order to simulate the surrounding topology but then reinterpreted them by injecting original elements that define the unique character of the building.
network of influences. Exterior metal staircases bent from ground level to the second level as an aesthetic homage to earlier triangular designs. Although the stairs are exposed to the outside, they are cleverly hidden for privacy by the strategic placement of tall trees. The upper level staircases are contained within a prominent central volume that connects the two interconnections.
The central volume built in a tiled pattern is inspired by the concept of the mashrabiya, a distinctive architectural element of traditional Islamic design. In addition to containing lofts, platforms, and doorways, the brick latticework facilitates the entry of natural light, while providing outside views to residents without compromising privacy. An external extension to the central volume provides additional interior space, allowing for large-sized landings and entrances. The lower sides of the landing are finished with cedar, adding warmth to the entrance areas. The third level is more spacious and has been designed to allow seating in a small reading nook with outside views.
Quiet amenities. Internally, the living spaces are designed as high-end rental units with highly functional yet minimalist designs. The front areas of the ground floor and the apartments on the second floor feature single bedrooms and a small office space, focusing on the rear facade of the units in the form of large living/dining/kitchen areas. The third floor units feature double-height ceilings and integrated staircases that lead to a spacious rooftop mezzanine, off the street for greater privacy, respecting city bylaws.
“Wherever there were setbacks to the main facade, including the walls around the landings, it was finished in the Japanese style of Shu Suji Ban,” concludes Ms. Rizk. “It’s a burnt wood treatment that adds a degree of warmth to the hollow facades, as well as to the roof terrace.” Through distinctive nods to classic design, unique reinterpretations, and bursts of creativity, Notre Dame has earned its place as a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and a testament to Le Borgne Rizk’s creative thinking. In recognition of the company’s innovative work, the project has been awarded 3 Grands Prix du Design in the categories of Facade Building, Low-Rise Apartment/Rental Building or Residential Building, and a Special Award/Significant Wood in Architecture.
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