A major renovation of an urban duplex turns back yard sheds into light-filled living space. Located in Montreal, Canada, designed by la SHED architecture, the renovation required the creation of a new a faade and the rearrangement of interior spaces placing the kitchen and public spaces towards the back in an open space with twice the ceiling height.
Located in the heart of the Villeray district, the De Gaspé House project consisted of the major renovation of an existing building that lost most of its original characteristics. The old duplex including a garage as well as a variety of annexes was transformed into a single family home for two adults and two children.
Inside, a complact block containing the service areas (closets, bathroom, storage space) was positioned near the entrance in order to create an intimate separation between the vestibule and living spaces. Once past this block, in the kitchen, the occupant can enjoy a clear view of all common areas. All upper elements of the kitchen were placed in the service block, which allows for an organization of work spaces around two islands oriented towards the living room. The living room, aligned with the kitchen, benefits from having twice the ceiling height which brings light from the first floor down to the ground floor.
The kitchen, bathroom and the living room are decorated in such an adjusted manner that occupants will feel the genuine formation.
The house’s original volume was preserved while removing a portion of the first floor in order to create a patio. This removal allowed for an alleviation of the building’s density in relation to the backyard, while providing the garden with further natural light and a more open line of sight.
The indoors and outdoors interiors are fully decorated with updated design and the kitchen goes with laminated floors.
