Em4

EM4House: A Radical Shift

PLANTING A SEED
The project was initiated by a young couple with 4 young children, living in a typical single-family home by a lake in Rouyn-Noranda, Abitibi. The family agreed that they were ready to pivot to a more cultural context. They singled out an existing project located in Pointe-Saint-Charles, Montreal and convinced the developer to purchase one of the 4 duplex units upon the condition that they could modify the interior using the architect of their choice. The mandate was awarded to Melinda Hart, a Canadian architect renowned for a practice that is rooted in design thinking and artistic flair.

BRIEFING
The initial briefing came with a list of design needs and requirements, some of these included:
1. Radical transformation of the unit to differentiate from that of a typical Montreal layout
2. Significant supply of natural light
3. Lifestyle, meaning and purpose

Collaborating and convincing the project’s existing team was key in moving forwards. The investment and solutions brought clear improvements which facilitated the task.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

1. BREAKTHROUGH & LIGHT
The first gesture consisted of creating a central opening in all floor plans to introduce a shaft of light. Breaking through the volume created a natural circulation that was symbiotic to daily rituals and allowed for space, air, and light to breathe. A larger window facing the mezzanine level terrace on the south side enabled the shaft.

2. SPLIT & FLOW
The spatial circulation throughout the floors follows the vertical light including the integration of the basement in the family’s daily rituals. The flow progresses as follows:

The mezzanine is reserved for the parents: a bedroom, workshop and hamam are linked to the top terrace using a walkway.
The second floor is dedicated to the children. The staircase opens up to a central space that reveals an open concept bathroom and a net or “suspended hangout”. The net allows for the vertical light fluidity without sacrificing a common reading space. There are 2 single bedrooms and a double bedroom which is divided in ‘PODS’, each room has a secret passage for extra fun and privacy.

The first floor is defined into four split areas: main entrance, kitchen, dining room and sunken living room “discussion pit”. The U-shaped layout allows for fluid circulation around the light which descends to the basement level.

The combination of the shaft of light and split floor plan allows for natural light to reign in the basement playroom.

3. FULLY INTEGRATED
Practicality and fluidity was further observed using several built-in custom furniture designs including:
1) Children lockers, bedroom “PODS” and basement stair module
2) The “discussion pit”
3) Painted steel glass screens as dividers
4) Welded, painted steel tubes as a staircase railing with a walnut door insert

4. OUTDOOR EXTENSION
Last but not least: the backyard. The basic idea was to open up the basement and integrate a second natural light source. The yard was then lowered to the basement level with a view on a vertical garden.