Drolet-Villeneuve Housing
DROLET VILLENEUVE HOUSING
This housing project densifies a central borough of Montreal by proposing a building twice the allowed height. The 6 storey building has recessed upper floors as seen in New York City and Paris to let light in and offer balconies. A wood fence creates a privacy wall at street level. A double height central gateway leads to the central courtyard.
Location 4680, Drolet Street, Montreal, Canada
Status Unbuilt, Urban Study 2010
Type Housing, Private
Land Area 1013 m²
Building Area 3 690 m²
Building Height 20 m²
Number of Housing Units 34
Density 3.64
The Megabloc and the Haussmanian influence
The design is inspired from European housing models that create density and street presence with brick and stone. The idea is to have a mass along the street and an inner court for the residents that brings in light.
The clear geometry, high ceilings and vertical proportions are praised in this contemporary interpretation.
The Courtyard and the Balconies
The courtyard gives two opposing facades to most dwellings. It allows for cross ventilation and light to enter the apartments.
The long and narrow balconies are designed as an extension of the interior spaces.
The Floor Plan
The plan is a grid of 8 squares measuring 10 x 10 meters each. Two inner squares are void and represent the court.
Each dwelling occupies one or two squares. The slenderness of the volume allows to have windows in each room, including kitchen and bathroom.
The Dwelling
The plan of a corner dwelling is laid out on 2 floors with an interior stair. In lieu of views insite the court, its corner position provides windows on two perpendicular exterior walls.
The Facades
The simple rectangular geometry is reflected in the facade composition. Tall vertical proportions alternate between fill and void, between glass and brick.
The Materials
We love our buildings for what they are made of. Brick, concrete, glass and wood make up the solid surfaces that ground the daily experience in a soft aging materiality.
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