| Three Medium Cost Residences - St. Catherine Street |
u2 summer 1999 |
DESIGN three houses for middle income families with children who wish to live in a desirable neighbourhood, close to transportation and the downtown core. The houses are to built on a speculative basis, and are destined for unknown buyers although the target group is understood.
& SITE situated on the north-east corner of Victoria avenue and Ste. Catherine street in Westmount. It is zoned residential, but is presently in use as a community garden.
RESIDENTS three hypothetical families occupy the houses, each with 1-2 children. They are in their 30-40s and consist of an artist , an engineer, and a professor (their respective others also work). These are active people with busy schedules, who enjoy their leisure time at home for relaxing, hobbies, and entertaining.
In Westmount, all houses must at least have a brick veneer; brick construction is an important issue. Given the quality of other buildings nearby, the articulation of bricklaying as an art is essential to the success of new construction. The three houses therefore present a very conservative image with bay windows in the main room. The facade also reveals vaulted windows as well as a hidden entrance. The plan shows a less traditional set up with large kitchens and bedrooms; it is aware of the importance of new technologies. The front door is on axis with the circulation space, like much row housing it seeks to encourage natural lighting by increasing the number of windows. As well there is a straight view from the front window to the back yard by means of a low wall in the dining room; it ensures sufficient lighting no matter the time of day. Of specific concern on this site is the corner house. The opportunity for more windows is great with another empty wall. The front door was turned to face the cross street and a beautiful bay window was added to the second floor bedroom. The backyard is a nice feature of such a size lot in the neighbourhood, an enclosed patio provides privacy for entertaining, enlarging the house with little added cost. A great location near the old station in healthy competition with neighbouring houses. Top Next
