Quebec City studios Hatem + D and Étienne Bernier have given a 20th-century residence a new life, by refurbishing the existing building and adding a small extension to the back yard.
Having previously collaborated on a contemporary wood-and-brick home, firms Hatem + D and E?tienne Bernier Architecte teamed up again to renovate and extended the two-storey Rue de la Salle house.

The residence was built in the St-Roch neighbourhood ? an up-and-coming area of Quebec City just north of its historic city centre ? in 1915.
The architecture studios had limited resources for the project, and so decided to make the most with small interventions.

"It is entirely possible to obtain a contemporary residence with incredible spatial qualities on a tight budget, by keeping the focus on the priorities ? the windows, for example ? and the main goals," said the architects in a project description. The pale brick facade of the existing two-storey building was refurbished, and its cornice painted a contrasting black.

This choice echoes the extension at the rear, which is clad in charred lumber planks.
A large window wrapping the lower floor of the addition is fitted with sliding glass doors. These open onto the back garden to provide an extension to the home's living area in the summer months, and bring in plenty of natural light.

"The challenge was to open up the residence to the vegetation of the garden in order to maximise brightness and integrate the backyard into ...