Credits
From hART design
Transforming, Reviving & Modernizing a community
A new Vision!
Les Cours is a project of thirteen condo units divided in two distinct phases situated in Old Terrebonne, Quebec. The area is known for being up and coming with good value for developers. It also has a lot of history and can be described as a tightly knit community.
The project starts with a visionary and hands-on developer, Philippe Lemieux who is also a resident with historical family ties in Old Terrebonne. Melinda Hart, a Canadian architect renowned for a practice that is rooted in design thinking and artistic flair was mandated to create a sensible design that would bring together the community support. Lemieux’s and Hart’s active participation in the community was essential in convincing everyone to embrace change. Newspaper ads and flyers invited community residents to meet the architect and participate in a series of workshops:
• Restoring a historical building
• Reviving the traditional courtyard, a concept which had been replaced by the “picket fence”
• Introducing the benefits and meaning of contemporary architecture
Preserving & Uplifting
Phase one consisted of reviving a historical building which originally served as the community grocery store. A contemporary look & feel was added subtlety while respecting the historical forefront.
A passageway replaced the historical entrance with a contemporary exterior walkway treated with a natural wood finish. This passage links the courtyard with the St-Joseph street access. It can be described poetically as weaving in a newfound spirit. The glimpse of the courtyard from street level inspires one to explore further.
Materials are key in distinguishing the old from the new. The historical elements are characterised by their original aesthetics: windows, height and dimensions, roof, and exterior red brick. The modern look & feel is created using a mix of Corten steel and naturally aged cedar.
Celebrating the Contemporary
Phase 2 is strictly contemporary and serves as an extension of the previous phase. It is located at the back of phase 1 on rue Laurier.
The building itself is composed of two volumes shifted in relation to the street. The forefront building’s height and width correspond to a typical neighbouring two-story house. The same applies to the exterior cladding: unfinished cedar clapboard that will weather and standout nicely with time.
The CORTEN steel is reserved for the second volume which is offset from the street and distanced from the neighboring houses. This section is narrower and higher, as it includes the penthouse unit on the third floor.
Strengthening Community Vibes
Both volumes in Phase 2 are united at the front with an exterior staircase that is semi protected and semi-private by an anodized and perforated aluminium grid. The staircase has an urban feel and interacts with the community in a unique way.
The back balconies of each unit of both phases are also strategically positioned to bring a sense of privacy from the shared courtyard. The exterior back space is transformed into communal quarters where residents and members of the community can thrive and interact.