Contemporary Canadian Architecture

E3 HOUSE IN CANADA
BY ARCHITECT NATALIE DIONNE
The E3 House is located in a bustling neighbourhood near the very popular Jean-Talon Market in Montreal. It was designed for a family with a deep attachment to the neighbourhood, the parents' work in theatre, film and television, and the children are young adults.

The exterior geometry of the residence is a simple parallelepiped defined by two largely fenestrated walls on the east and west sides and party walls to the north and south. The orientation of the lot inspired the design of a multi-level House that enables natural light to penetrate. The floors are staggered on Either Side of the 12-meter-high central atrium that divides into two volumes the house, front and back, a staircase, topped with a skylight, links the different levels.

The large windows situated at both ends of the house and the central skylight allow the sun to reach deep into the interior to create ever-changing plays of natural light and shadow. Malthus, the interior environment modulates aAccording to the time of day and the season. Large wooden shutters slide in front of the windows in each room to filter the light at dawn and sunset. To ensure natural ventilation, the windows are facing and each other they all open, as do those in the skylight. The shutters protect the house from summer heat.

The house is Called E3 because it is organized around the cross section of the building. The cross-sectional drawing resembles a capital E is backward linked to E by intersecting the staircase. Each living space and room is on a separate level. The staircase links the six rooms in the house, ultimately leading to a mezzanine studio and a terrace with a view of iconic Mount Royal.

The other side, looks out the skylight was green roof system, where 'a small field of lavender will be planted. The bedrooms open onto the central space-through wide sliding doors pivoting gold, which expand the space, allow light to enter, and create a depth of perspective. When the doors are closed, the space is withdrawn, allowing for insulation, privacy, and contemplation. The volume is structured by integrated architectural elements and finishes contribute that has graphical and sculptural quality to the space. The central staircase, light and airy, and the impressive island kitchen both feature steel and walnut. Cabinets, wardrobes and storage spaces, made with maple-veneer plywood, is vertically arranged to create multi-functional, multi-level monoliths. Outside, marine-grade plywood stained to a dark espresso colour lines the walls and ceilings of alcoves off to mark both front and back entrances.

The project's program includes a code of materials with simple, repetitive colours: polished concrete, natural steel, wood and blue tiles. The interplay of these materials creates stunning graphical compositions that resemble abstract paintings.

Trained in architecture and video art, Natalie Dionne opened in 2000. Her work has engaged sophisticated exploration of the links between art and architecture, film and interior design. Early in her career she worked with artists on the production and installation of public art. In 2008, she collaborated with her partner, Martin Laneville, House on the U (U House), an urban residence Focused inwards around interior courtyard that year accommodates both their family home and studio office. When it was completed in 2008, Lipton left the movie and television industry to join Dionne full time in design development. The house has received the Award of Excellence from the Quebec Order of Architects in 2009.

Photographer: Marc Cramer

Source: v2com.biz