The House:
This large classically-designed home for a family of 6 was missing an outdoor space for relaxation, play and large family gatherings. Set on the side of Mount Royal the house enjoys spectacular views of the city through a canopy of trees.
The elevated terrace:
This terrace was organized to include a large area for comfortable lounging, dining and a small vegetable garden, directly off the main living level. This upper terrace was planned to be easily accessible with a straight stair from the driveway providing easy access for the visitors and the family during the temperate months. A sophisticated motorized pergola in metal provides weather protection allowing the family to use the large terrace even in inclement weather. Three feet below the terrace is a small pool suspended above the natural grade. A retractable transparent safety enclosure at the pool infinity edge maintains unimpeded views to the mountain and city beyond. From the pool, another stair leads to the garden level below.
Selected Materials:
Noble materials, detailed in a contemporary fashion, complement the existing traditional house. Horizontal stone banding continues the house’s base to form a solid wall in the dining area. Stone, metal, glass and wood, are carefully composed to form a modern canvas and provide the comfort and durability to suit the intended use.
The terrace floor in limestone is heated for ease of maintenance in the winter months, the ipé wood deck provides a comfortable walking surface around the pool and the thick cantilevered glass guard rails maintain a secure environment.
Laser cut metal screens are worked to evoke the tracery of the house’s original metalwork. The ratio of solid to void in these panels provides the family with the level of security and privacy from the neighbourhood. With no visible support, these panels filter the natural light in the day and with their hidden LED lighting; create a magical effect of transmitting artificial light in the evening.
Ipé is introduced to provide warmth to the terrace, pool area and pool structure. Creating a separation from the driveway, the ipé wall acts as a guardrail and transition from the public to the private realm. Practically, it also provides shelter for recycling and garbage bins. The pool structure and its supporting mechanical space below also clad in ipé, completes the composition.
Supported on stainless steel brackets, low iron glass panels guarantee unobstructed contact with the trees and city beyond while providing security around the pool and the stairway to the lower garden.
The garden below:
The terrace and pool are supported on exposed concrete structures. Views from the lower level interior spaces are framed through this structure to the treed garden and city beyond.
Conclusion:
Following our client expressed objective, we sought to design a project with a sense of quiet, simplicity and warmth that provides an oasis in the middle of the city.
