The upgrading of Montréal?s aging housing stock has attracted a rich variety of responses over the last few years from the city?s young architects, who skillfully adapt their work to the particular character of distinct neighbourhoods. The firm Natalie Dionne Architecture, known for its thoughtful residential work, has recently designed a noteworthy duo of house additions, Black Box I and II, in an area just west of Mount Royal.
In the Côte-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood ?of Montreal, Black Box II is a highly contemporary expansion at the back of a century-old brick row house.
Developed as an upscale suburb featuring semi-detached townhouses, with large front lawns and small backyards, the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood was built in the early years of the 20th century. It remains desirable to this date because of its tree-lined streets and its charming?if somewhat outdated?older buildings. Dionne and her team have recently put the finishing touches to a Tudor-inspired residence there, Black Box II, located on a site partially within Westmount?s city limits. The solid-oak kitchen island contrasts the patio?s dark slate slabs, while the floor?s large ceramic tiles blend seamlessly with them.
Two years before, the firm had built an addition for a home that boasted lovely lead windows and elaborate interiors, which Dionne complemented with finely detailed contemporary millwork. The project was finished in 2015 and it became known as Black Box I, a name best...