Canadian architect Henri Cleinge has completeda house in Montreal, where the richness of primary materials — concrete and wood — materialises in a series of large modular square volumes. The muscular volume is located in a mixed-use neighbourhood, where residential duplexes coexist with small and middle-sized industrial buildings.
The dwelling distinguishes itself from the immediate surroundings by creating a modular square plan, where one unit is situated on the
ground and first floor, and a second unit is located on the first and second floor, in what the architect deems a "spatial tour de force". This spatial orientation allows each unit to be exposed to three orientations rather than two, thus taking full advantage of southern sunlight.
Most exterior walls are made of concrete, which permeates to the interior spaces. Inside, a living room with double height ceilings marks the centre of the building. Here, concrete and wood surfaces foil off each other, and the softness of the walnut cabinetry and the cedar ceiling contrast with the textured concrete walls. Cedar ceilings and concrete floors are used throughout, while some details feature walnut and black granite surfaces.
The large windows allow the interiors to be filled in abundant natural light, giving life to a series of carefully curated framed experiences.
Henri Cleinge: Beaumont House
In this muscular dwelling, the Canadian architect combines the materiality of concrete and wood with large modular square volumes filled with abundant natural light, in order to determine a series of framed experiences.
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- 26 February 2013
- Montreal
Henri Cleinge: Beaumont House
Location: Montreal
Client: Henri Cleinge
Architect: Henri Cleinge, architect
Project Architect: Henri Cleinge
Team: Henri Cleinge, Michel Lefebvre
Structural Engineer: César Zelaya
General Contractor: Bâtitu
Area: 300 square metres
Completion: 2011