Le Louis-Hébert Housing, Located in a heritage area, near Molson Park in the heart of the Rosemont La-Petite-Patrie borough in Montreal, Le Louis-Hébert Housing is located on two adjoining lots of land. One of which is vacant and the other occupied by an existing two-storey duplex dating from the 1920s.
© Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
The challenge was therefore to implement two separate projects on these two interconnected lots: not only by conserving the duplex but also by infusing the project with a language of unity as a whole. Three new dwellings are then proposed on the vacant lot, while an additional dwelling is added on top of the existing duplex.
© Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
The two new constructions provide a total of six dwellings spread over three floors with mezzanines and basements. The living areas of the apartments vary between 950 sqft and 2150 sqft including two or three bedrooms depending on the unit. Confronted with the strict heritage requirements dictated by the municipality, the project aims to respect the historical character linked to its immediate environment. On the street side, the objective was to make the two entities of the project harmonious and complementary. Let the project read as a whole while understanding that the duplex is the instigator.
© Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
While the next triplex is called in a maroon-colored clay brick, a more contemporary treatment consisting of a covering of fluted aluminum panels painted ocher color marks the entrances to the 3 dwellings. As a recall, the ocher color is also applied on the window frames of the unit added to the preserved duplex. The rear façade aims to unify the entire composition by applying black and white plaster. The two staircases painted in ocher color echo the spiral exits typical of the triplexes found in the black alley of the neighborhood.
© Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
Following the obligation to evoke certain typological and historical features of the street, the municipality nevertheless remained open to the integration of contemporary architectural elements suggesting to passers-by that the construction of the project is indeed of our time.
© Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
It is also important to note that this project was designed according to specific criteria that were rigorously respected in order to offer LEED Platinum certification to the building.
Project Info
Architects: NatureHumaine
Country: Canada, Montréal
Area: 9960 ft²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Ulysse Lemerise / OSA images
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.