Notre-Dame Project: Modern Twist on Montreal Triplex Design

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In Montreal’s vibrant southwest, Le Borgne Rizk Architecture introduces Notre-Dame, a pair of semi-attached triplexes that breathe new life into the traditional triplex format. This project by the Montreal-based architecture firm, commissioned by Cocoon Construction Inc., respects the neighborhood’s character while modernizing its historical aesthetics. Set along the eclectic Notre-Dame Street, the structures skillfully blend into the fabric of the neighborhood without merely replicating surrounding designs. The Notre-Dame project highlights Le Borgne Rizk’s expertise in creating environments where old meets new, offering a design that stands out without overpowering the existing context.

Crafting a New Twist on Triplex Design

Montreal’s traditional triplexes, often defined by iconic exterior staircases, served as a foundational design inspiration for Notre-Dame. However, Le Borgne Rizk didn’t just replicate; instead, they created a modern interpretation suited to a contemporary urban environment. The architects reintroduced the external staircases but shielded them with strategic landscaping, such as tall trees for privacy. In an innovative move, the upper staircases are housed within a brick-encased central volume that extends outward, connecting the two buildings. This volume, influenced by the mashrabiya latticework of traditional Islamic architecture, acts as a buffer, enhancing both privacy and light flow, while paying subtle homage to Montreal’s architectural heritage.

Layered Spaces for Privacy and Practicality

The floor plans of Notre-Dame prioritize spacious, functional layouts designed for modern renters. On the ground and second floors, single-bedroom apartments flow into open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas at the back, maximizing space while offering practical, streamlined layouts. Privacy is preserved through thoughtful setbacks and material selections, including shou sugi ban-treated wood, a traditional Japanese technique, on sections of the facades and rooftop areas. Third-floor units introduce double-height ceilings and internal staircases, which lead up to private rooftop mezzanines set back from the street, offering views without compromising privacy. This layering of spaces effectively combines the warmth of traditional materials with efficient layouts that appeal to contemporary sensibilities.

Functional Elegance in Every Detail

From its striking brick exterior to the rich cedar-finished undersides of its landings, Notre-Dame embodies a careful curation of materials that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The project’s choice of brick for the central volume brings texture and context to the design, while materials like burnt cedar and metal panels provide a rustic yet refined appeal. This attention to detail highlights Le Borgne Rizk’s approach to blending natural elements with urban design, creating a distinct sense of place within each unit. Natural light flows through the latticework of the central volume, adding warmth and brightness to shared spaces, while also connecting residents to the surrounding environment.

A Design that Honors the Neighborhood

While Notre-Dame is distinctly modern, it is firmly grounded in Montreal’s architectural identity. The project’s blend of old and new gives it an inviting presence that both honors the neighborhood’s eclecticism and contributes a fresh layer to its architectural landscape. By incorporating elements like external staircases in a contemporary way, Notre-Dame stands as a testament to Le Borgne Rizk’s ability to weave tradition and innovation into a cohesive, thoughtful design.

Recognized with three Grands Prix du Design awards for its facade and residential layout, Notre-Dame showcases Le Borgne Rizk’s ability to create spaces that are both practical and artistically expressive. The project is a true testament to the firm’s commitment to crafting buildings that are efficient, functional, and harmonious, blending seamlessly with Montreal’s architectural landscape.

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