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A Montreal Residence With a Humble Front and Bold Rear Facade

07.21.22 | By
A Montreal Residence With a Humble Front and Bold Rear Facade

2nd Avenue Residence is a minimal residence located in Montréal, Canada, designed by Microclimat. The three-story 2,500-square-foot house is an exploration of both opportunities and constraints, building on its original state as an empty parking lot along an adjacent home.

Main dining area features double-height ceilings

Due to the proximity to neighboring homes, the client was conscientious in creating a discreet and humble facade, respectfully inserting itself among the landscape. The creation of a small basement space allowed for an integration of street-facing studio.

The main living area features an open space with the kitchen, dining room, and living room opening generously into one another. These spaces occupy the back area of the ground floor, surrounded by a low brick wall. It is from the rear of the building in which the clever arrangement of the volumes reveals itself.

As explained by the architects, “The architectural duality of the front and back-facing of urban blocks is an integral part of the riches of Montreal’s central sectors; as much as a demultiplication of facades that enhances the city’s built heritage unfolds on the street, the back alleys abound with volumetric and material explorations of all eras.”

Open concept kitchen flows in the main living areas

Skylights provide abundant natural light from above

Skylights provide abundant natural light from above

A central kitchen island provides bar stool seating

A central kitchen island provides bar stool seating

A light and welcoming interior greets guests

Brick facade allows the building to respectfully blend into its landscape

A low brick wall provides privacy while allowing natural light to enter the space

Brick facade allows the building to respectfully blend into its landscape

Brick facade allows the building to respectfully blend into its landscape

The upper levels are slightly cantilevered above the ground floor.

Photography by Adrien Williams.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.