Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family
Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

A bungalow surrounded by trees is to be expanded and redesigned. The desire of the owners was to have a large unique space to live together, with this idea in mind, it was obvious that the original form of the house would need to be significantly upgraded

The owners' need, which sparked the realization of this project, was the desire to move into a home with well-balanced living spaces and an outdoor space that would allow their children to play freely in the surrounding nature. After some research, the couple fell in love with a bungalow surrounded by trees on the north side of Montréal

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

Architect Maxime Moreau, architect and founder of MXMA Architecture & Design started with a strong and simple concept: as a design element, a house should be a sanctuary. To achieve this goal, the architect visualized the house as one large space containing the original residence as well as the new addition

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

He then removed part of this box to create a void, an inner courtyard, a sheltered place that highlights the large maple tree in the middle of the garden. This subtraction allowed natural light to pass through the entire floor of the house, revealing warm, textured and contrasting surfaces. The courtyard thus became a relaxing space where people could gather to eat, play or just relax

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

The L-shaped floor plan of the house is divided into four zones with the heart of the house at the center, the kitchen becomes a warm and welcoming space for the whole family. Central to the design of the new home was the large maple tree located in the heart of the garden, which became an architectural element in its own right and was honored for its ecological, aesthetic and social benefits. In addition, the team planted three new trees to reduce the heat island effect

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

Special emphasis was placed on the use of certified wood and metal to create durable, environmentally friendly exterior cladding. As wood is used outside and inside the home, it is hailed as a "living" material that is warm and sustainable. With its style, materials, spatial organization and variable energy strategies, Pearl House is the very definition of green architecture, greatly enhancing the quality of life for the family who dreamed of living close to nature

Pearl House, expansion and re-designing of an existing volume. A large unique space to live as a family

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