Le Binôme: Harmonizing Cohabitation and Daylight

Le Binôme quietly tucks itself into a tight urban lot in Montreal, sitting neatly between a classic duplex and a larger multi?unit block. Rather than fight its context, the project leans into it—using carefully scaled volumes, a shared courtyard, and custom fenestration to create a series of bright, comfortable homes that feel both private and open.

Architect and Collaborative Team

At the heart of Le Binôme is APPAREIL Architecture, whose nuanced approach balances the intimate scale of a duplex with the density of a multi?unit building. Partnering closely with Fabelta for all window and door systems—and backed by Geniex (engineering), Modulor (general contracting), and Atomic Soudure (ironwork)—the team kept every detail aligned. From early sketches to final installation, each consultant helped refine how the building would sit on its lot and interact with neighbors.

Blurring the Lines Between Scales

Instead of rigidly mimicking the adjacent façades, the design bridges two housing typologies: the intimacy of a two?unit home and the efficiency of a low?rise block. The front elevation respects the proportions of neighboring buildings, with window modules that line up precisely on the street plane. Around the back, volumes open up—a series of over?14 ft assemblies that stretch the rear façade into a generous, loft?like living area.

Framing the Light

Light isn’t an afterthought here; it’s a material. Fabelta’s puRE series—fixed and tilt?and?turn windows—delivers slim profiles and high thermal performance, while filling interiors with daylight. On the courtyard side, floor?to?ceiling panels and glass guardrails ensure unobstructed views. Even the entry doors get the puRE treatment: glass at the front, steel at the rear, both framed in the same muted tone as exterior stairs and lighting fixtures, creating a coherent metalwork palette.

Shared Living in Practice

The project name—“The Pair”—hints at its communal spirit. A central inner courtyard serves as both light well and gathering space, giving each duplex unit windows on two sides. This front?to?back configuration brightens rooms and fosters neighborly encounters. Safety elements—metal railings out front, transparent guards in back—are thoughtfully detailed so they disappear visually, keeping sightlines open and social energy flowing.