Quebec residence delicately balances privacy and natural light

by arslan_ahmed | January 15, 2024 9:00 am

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MI-2, the central piece of three family homes nestled along the Mille-Îles River in Laval, Que., stands out with its distinctive design. Unlike its waterfront counterparts, the house is surrounded by neighbours on one side, a lot in the back, the boulevard des Mille-Îles in front, and a private street on the other side.

This bungalow-style residence, designed by Dupont Blouin, is part of a community steeped in the vernacular of Laval architecture. The house is clad in light grey brick and features a striking champagne-coloured metal roof. Despite its modest size, it exudes boldness through its dynamic claustra and a careful placement that maximizes its impact in the neighbourhood.

To balance natural light and privacy, the architects designed the largest opening, which faces north and overlooks the river, to be complemented by an interior courtyard to the south. This placement not only allows for a well-lit interior but also maintains a sense of privacy within the project. The design integrates an interior courtyard, born from the void between the front facade and the living room. The courtyard serves as a source of light, creating luminous patterns through the openwork of bricks that extend to the floor and walls of the house.

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The layout optimizes its 171.87 m² (1,850 sf), including the garage, with overlapping living spaces, eliminating the need for a conventional hallway. The strategic positioning of bedrooms and bathrooms at the western end ensures privacy without sacrificing natural light.

Inside, a transition from a cheerful terrazzo entrance to a more sober palette of white oak floors, white walls, and light grey ceramic tiles creates a bright and comfortable interior. Its minimalist design enhances the sense of space, compensating for the constraints imposed by the lot size.

In overcoming challenges such as unattractive surroundings and privacy concerns, the architects, Dupont Blouin, achieved a harmonious balance of concept and materiality. MI-2 stands as a testament to their ability to create an enveloping and peaceful architectural structure, integrating voids and solids for a polished realization.

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Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/quebec-residence-delicately-balances-privacy-and-natural-light/

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