La Doyenne is a minimal single-family home located in Plateau Mont-Royal, Canada, designed by _naturehumaine. The project is a renovation and expansion of a Victorian house built in 1887. The main objective was to build an extension in the backyard of the building that would preserve privacy from the side and rear buildings.
The layout consists of split-levels and multiple floor variations. Upon entering a half-level above street level, the backyard is recessed into the garden. This intervention was purposeful in creating a height offset in relation to neighboring terraces.
A majestic stairwell serves as the centerpiece of the home, preserved and restored to its former glory. Two additional staircases were added – one connecting the living room to the dining room, the other a helicoidal staircase leading to the roof terrace.
Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau