ADHOC's la géode in montreal includes a courtyard for housing optimization and fluidness

ADHOC architects is proud to present the recently completed project ‘la géode’, realized in collaboration with the young promoters of knightsbridge. the building is located on ‘de la roche’ street, in the plateau mont-royal neighborhood of montreal, a vibrant area with an incomparable urban vitality. in view of its situation, the design aims to give a new breath to this plot with a contemporary residential project of five housing units reflecting all the energy of this strategic sector where young professionals mix with families and couples.

the building is located in the plateau mont-royal neighborhood of montreal, a vibrant area with an urban vitality

thus, the project reveals many concerns: a soft densification that fits into the existing urban landscape without distorting it, retaining families in cities and creating a qualitative living environment based on a green strategy. to meet these challenges, ADHOC architects has devised a new typology on the plot by developing both the street and the alley, releasing a central space revealing a new potentiality. the liberated space of the inner courtyard creates a new living and organic place redefining the links between the street and the alley, between public and private spaces reflecting an innovative thinking. a narrative spin has nourished the conception of the project while supporting the architectural concept valuing an open central heart and a peripheral organization. it is inspired by the geode; a hollowed mineral mass which interior is lined with crystals.

main entrance of ADHOC architects’ ‘la géode’ residential building

‘la géode’, under an austral and protective external appearance, conceals a true crystalline treasure. this reveals a natural form of staging that stimulates the imagination around the notion of contrast. this concept is exploited by the project at different levels. the exterior of the building is very sober, characterized by a modest materiality. the boundstone brick-laying and the openwork masonry in front of the windows and the loggias reflect the mineral and rough aspect of the protective envelope of the geode while the inner courtyard reflects its crystalline and blazing materiality.

ADHOC has devised a new typology on the plot by developing both the street and the alley

as an architectural innovation, the project supports the creation of a new location, enhancing its integration within the context. by preferring an insertion densification, the building acts as a link and the new typology supports the urbanity of the neighborhood. the desire to create an inner courtyard by using the space of the pre-existing alley induces a complete reversal of the traditional montrealer’s typology characterized by dark dwellings of excessive length. thanks to the central opening, the living spaces are bathed with natural light. this new spatial organization eliminates the notion of the corridor, generating fluidness and optimized housing spaces. the mezzanines on the façade allow the light to penetrate the courtyard while harmonizing the height of the building with its neighbor.

‘la géode’, under an austral and protective external appearance, conceals a true crystalline treasure

the exterior spaces in the front take the form of private loggias preserving the intimacy of the inhabitants while participating in the animation of the street. in addition, the viability of the project depends on ADHOC’s ability to invest in the basement. this constraint, coupled with the need to align the ground floor with neighboring buildings, prompted the architects to rethink the basement from a qualitative point of view. the space dug under the ‘margelle’ becomes a part in itself, a singular space channeling natural light to the rooms of the basement and proposing an external annex space with vegetation where to relax. in addition, glass floors were installed between the ground floor and the basement to ensure a maximum light distribution.

the inner courtyard reflects its crystalline and blazing materiality

the courtyard becomes an urban oasis for the inhabitants. moreover, the tiles creating this pleasant living space with marked identity include a luminous coating through the triangular metallic tiles whose white and shimmering colors arranged towards the lower floors blend the sky to propose a changing, sparkling and crystalline evolution. a green strategy and high energy performance supports the project’s ambitions for innovation. as a result, ‘la géode’, intended for an environmental performance certification, is expected to become the first multi-unit building to achieve LEED v4 certification in canada. the inner courtyard allows an abundant fenestration guaranteeing a maximum natural illumination as well as a cross ventilation of the dwellings. in addition, the acoustic performance of the building exceeds good practice.

the inner courtyard becomes an urban oasis for the inhabitants

the use of energy efficient materials and equipment becomes an integral part of the strategy in place. the abundant presence of vegetation is also part of the green strategy put in place. this construction evokes a mineral and vegetable coexistence that can be found in nature. the inner courtyard, the spaces under the copings, the roof and all interstices become surfaces suitable for the planting of shrubs, trees or climbing plants. thus, the vegetation colonizes the floor of the inner courtyard, and even the walls, making it a haven of peace. finally, this project is an architectural and urban exploration that leaves nothing to chance, ensuring that all its components reflect not only current practices, but innovative thinking.

the tiles creating this pleasant living space with marked identity include a luminous coating

the inner courtyard allows guarantees maximum natural illumination as well as a cross ventilation of the dwellings

glass floors were installed between the ground floor and the basement to ensure a maximum light distribution

all its components reflect not only current practices, but innovative thinking

the use of energy efficient materials and equipment becomes an integral part of the strategy in place

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom