Located on Île de Hull and named after the lake that was once on the site of Parc Fontaine, Maison Flora was designed to suit its particular location. Given the limited surface area of the lot, the residence forms an interesting profile by rising 3 storeys instead of expanding, and incorporates a roof terrace facing the rear courtyard, maximizing the view of Parc Fontaine.
The project had to take account of a site planning and architectural integration plan with restrictive heritage insertion rules, which inspired us to modernize the “maison allumette” concept by simplifying elements such as the roof, which descends to the ground to preserve straight lines and minimize offsets. To optimize integration within the local fabric, we also proposed a flat roof, a single window, and cooler colors for the façade. In terms of energy performance and sustainability, the project was designed to meet Passivhaus standards and has been certified LEED Platinum. The Maison Flora surpassed several targets, particularly for its walls, windows and roof, which perform well beyond building code requirements.
As for the project’s programming, we grouped the living areas on the first floor, the bedrooms on the 2nd floor, and the office spaces opening onto the roof terrace on the 3rd floor. Although the colors selected by our project team appear quite sober, an accent color enhances the curtain wall of the staircase.