A geode is a seemingly ordinary rock on the outside with a dazzling secret hidden within. You?d never guess by looking at its unremarkable exterior that if you were to just crack it open, you?d find a slew of beautiful glittering gemstones. It?s only fitting, then, that ADHOC Architects chose “La Géode” as the name of their latest project on Montreal?s Rue de la Roche, a multi-family residential building with a tough gray facade and a geometric entryway that hints at what you?ll find inside.

Located in the revitalized Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, which is popular among young families and single professionals alike, La Géode slots into the existing urban landscape without overwhelming its surroundings. The subdued brick helps it blend into a neighboring apartment building on one side and a corner store on the other to avoid changing the architectural character of the community. The architects wanted to work with the concept of “soft densification,” which entails keeping families in major cities during periods of significant growth. Walk through that geometric corridor, and you’ll not only find that the building?s general aesthetic transforms into something softer and brighter, but you’ll also discover a hidden void that functions as a private, protected courtyard for residents to enjoy. Full of lush greenery, this courtyard feels organic and alive, and it provides a healthy place for children to play in amidst the surrounding urban...