Houses

In the living and dining area, what appear to be walls are actually specially designed cabinets and black glass. The television is mounted on a central pole, allowing it to be swiveled around and viewed from all parts of the home—even the outside deck. “Everything is connected,” Zusman explains. “One can step into any room from the other.”

Goneau highlighted the red brick wall in the living room by leaving it bare and protecting it behind museum-quality glass. The space also features a floor-to-ceiling window that’s coated on the outside with a reflective film, letting residents keep their curtains open by day without fear of being seen from the street. The green sofa is by St-Laurent Domison and the white oak chairs are by Hans Wegner. All other furniture is custom.

Four distinct structures make up the house. Their design echoes the shape of an older, gabled-roof building already on site. “We considered the neighboring construction quite interesting in terms of scale and layout,” de Carvalho says. “Due to the proximity, we felt the necessity to integrate it in the design.”

These initiatives on state ballots will decide questions about rent control, property tax, and urban development.