New Montreal Residence Blends Density with Community

Innovative Design Prioritizes Shared Space and Sustainable Living

A newly completed multi-unit residence in Montreal demonstrates a sensitive approach to urban densification, offering a model for integrating new housing into established neighborhoods while fostering a sense of community. The project, dubbed Binome, prioritizes shared spaces and sustainable design principles.

A Response to Local Needs

The building arose from a unique situation: owners, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse and her co-owner, possessed a vacant lot nestled between their existing duplex and a larger building. They envisioned a project that would provide high-quality housing, promote cohabitation, and embrace intergenerational diversity within their neighborhood. We dreamed of a building with a different kind of architecture—made up of two volumes and a central courtyard—allowing for more housing, ideally affordable, said Labrosse.

Addressing the challenges of limited space and municipal regulations, the architects focused on optimizing the lot while respecting the surrounding urban fabric. According to a recent report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), demand for rental units in Montreal increased by 4.3% in 2023, highlighting the need for innovative housing solutions like Binome. (CMHC Housing Market Reports)

Design and Structure

The design divides the building into two distinct volumes connected by a landscaped central courtyard. This configuration maximizes natural light and ventilation, creating through-units with cross-breezes. The courtyard serves as a shared space, encouraging interaction among residents and fostering a sense of community. The building’s massing is carefully positioned to blend with the streetscape while maintaining privacy for those inside.

Binome comprises three open-plan units of approximately 600 square feet and two duplexes around 1,500 square feet. Each unit features its own entrance and access to either the shared courtyard or a private terrace, enhancing residents’ sense of ownership and well-being. The three-story structure, with a basement, balances density with a human scale.

Harmonious Integration and Sustainable Features

The architecture draws inspiration from the area’s industrial past, incorporating elements like red brick, generous windows, and brick colonnades. We hoped this project would attract people who love architecture, creativity, and community—and that’s exactly what happened, Labrosse noted. We now have people of all ages, artists and families. Everyone enjoys privacy, but there are plenty of opportunities to connect.

Beyond aesthetics, Binome prioritizes sustainability. Sloped green roofs manage rainwater, support biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Interior design features include custom kitchen islands, individually styled bathrooms, and carefully framed windows to maximize natural light. Glass blocks in the courtyard provide privacy while diffusing light, creating a serene atmosphere.

Binome represents a successful model for thoughtful urban renewal, demonstrating how well-considered design can enrich the built environment and provide high-quality collective living spaces.