Carré des Arts | Sid Lee Architecture

Located in the Centre-South Montreal borough of Ville-Marie, Carré des Arts is a 46-unit residential rental project imagined by Sid Lee Architecture and executed by ADHOC Architectes. With the expansion and conversion of the commercial premises of the former All Nations Church, this project offers a unique visual signature, combining the modernity of added residential spaces with the heritage of the former place of worship, previously converted at one time into a recording studio.
Hugging the old church, the new volume housing the majority of the apartments is distinguished by vibrant geometry. Interlocking with the heritage building like a series of blocks delicately stacked on a pedestal, the checkerboard building creates a surprising dynamic of form and function.

Composed of a series of cubes stacked on top of each other in a grid pattern - a recurring motif in Sid Lee Architecture's work - the series of small units lends a human scale to the architectural composition, alternating between the inward bay windows and the outward loggias. The effect of this exploration is most compelling. The movement emanating from the building guides the eye, creating an illusion of continuity and inviting pedestrians to stop and contemplate. Together, the two volumes offer a surprising and harmonious encounter between the morphology of the past and the present.

This complex geometrical work also required inventive construction strategies developed on site, ensuring seamless integration of the new elements with the old structures, and creating a beautiful fusion of past and future. Meticulous coordination between the architectural, structural, and mechanical teams enabled complex structural details such as double cantilevers to be resolved, thermal insulation to be mastered, and delicate junctions to be managed with great precision. The success of this conversion lies in the ability to transform technical challenges into a true feat of engineering and architecture, while respecting the history and integrity of the building.

Architect (concept): Sid Lee Architecture
Architect (execution): ADHOC Architectes

Electromechanical engineers: SP Génie Conseil
Structural engineers: CPF Groupe Conseil

Photographer: David Boyer

Website: https://www.david-boyer.ca/

IG: http://instagram.com/davidboyer.photographe

FB: https://www.facebook.com/davidboyer.photos/