Avenue Residence

Raphaël Thibodeau

• Architects

The project involves a major transformation of a single-story "shoebox" house, characterized by a simple volume with few distinctive architectural elements—a result of multiple additions over time. The proposed intervention adds a second floor to accommodate bedrooms and bathrooms tailored to the family's needs. Simultaneously, a two-story rear extension was created to house a living room and a secondary entrance opening onto the alley, resulting in brighter and more inviting living spaces.

photo_credit Raphaël Thibodeau — Raphaël Thibodeau

The architectural concept draws direct inspiration from the proportions and volumetric simplicity inherent to shoebox houses, seeking to echo the building’s heritage rather than detach from it. Consequently, the new composition introduces a setback from the front facade. This gesture, both discreet and contemporary, reinterprets original characteristics while allowing for the integration of a green space on the second floor. A planted window well further enriches the project, enhancing the experience of the living spaces both inside and out.

The interior layout was designed with a focus on functional efficiency. The ground floor unfolds across two levels to respect the existing dual-foundation levels of the original shoebox. This approach aligns the intervention with the building’s structural logic while significantly improving the quality of the living environment.

To ensure a delicate integration into a heterogeneous architectural context—where shoeboxes and duplexes coexist—particular attention was paid to the project's surroundings. A new brown-beige brick siding was selected to dialogue with the textures and colors of the neighborhood. Soldier course brickwork punctuates the openings, providing a sober contemporary touch, while a metallic insert within the setback adds dynamism to the volume. The choice of materials contributes to this sensitive reinterpretation of the original building; specifically, a curved masonry detail punctuates the composition, offering a subtle and delicate nod to the original shoebox form.

In short, the proposal aims to enhance the architectural value of the site through the integration of vegetation, high-quality material interventions, and a contemporary approach mindful of the built context and the "spirit of the place."