Pied-de-vent Residence | APPAREIL architecture

In a residential neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a typical catalog home is transformed into a bright and contemporary residence, thoughtfully designed for a growing family. While preserving the existing structure of this prefabricated house, Appareil Architecture has created a serene and luminous living space through bold gestures and subtle design — one that maintains constant connection to both its built and natural surroundings.

An In-Depth Renovation for an Expanding Family

The house was restructured to meet the aspirations of its owners. For this young couple
planning to grow their family, reorganizing the space became a necessary challenge to overcome.

“The Appareil team saw the potential of our house just as we did. Of all the architecture firms we met with, they were the only ones who didn’t suggest tearing everything down and starting from scratch. The chemistry was immediate. From the very first meetings, we felt listened to and understood. What was supposed to be a complex major renovation suddenly felt simpler and more fluid.” Mélanie, owner of the Pied-de-vent residence.

This three-level home with an unfinished basement has been redefined to include two bedrooms on the main floor, a primary suite on the second floor, and a basement ready
to welcome a growing family. Originally built without a garage, the house now includes an integrated double garage. The open-concept shared living areas on the ground floor
are designed to encourage gatherings with family and friends.

“The layout follows an open plan where living areas flow into each other and benefit from abundant natural light. The new staircase has been relocated to the front of the house, creating a discrete and elegant transition between levels while naturally separating the
interior from the street.” Esther Leduc, interior designer at Appareil.

This new configuration allows a fluid connection with the backyard, encouraging residents
to engage more directly with the surrounding landscape — a clear contrast to the former staircase, which had been centrally placed, dividing the living spaces on the main floor.

Carefully Placed Openings for Omnipresent Light and Increased Privacy

One of the most distinctive aspects of this project is how light circulates throughout the
home. The architects strategically placed openings, emphasizing skylights and side and
rear windows to maximize natural light while preserving privacy — an essential consideration due to the home’s proximity to the street and neighboring properties.

“The front façade is almost blind, shielding the interior from prying eyes. By preserving
the skylight above the original staircase, light continues to pour into the heart of the home across all levels” says Olive Deschênes, interior designer at Appareil Architecture.

Thoughtfully positioned roof openings bring a calm and poetic atmosphere, echoing the
imagery of the “pied-de-vent” — rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds. Large vertical openings between floors create visual perforations that add depth to the space.

Side light interweaves with the overhead light from skylights, enriching the architectural
experience.

“The space is just as bright as we had hoped. Sunlight finds its way into every room of the
house at all hours of the day, thanks to the large openings and numerous skylights.”
— Mélanie, owner of the Pied-de-vent residence.

The architecture plays with the contrast between voids and solids to reinforce the feeling
of spaciousness and lightness. The void left by the old staircase is counterbalanced by a
solid block of millwork that conceals a powder room and entry storage.

A Design That Reflects Its Inhabitants

The material palette is both discreet and warm. Natural tones, mineral textures in the
floor tiles, and various shades of greige create a soft, calming atmosphere — a cocoon
that envelops the occupants in a bubble of serenity.

“We dreamed of a simple, airy, soft, and light-filled environment where we could enjoy precious moments with family and friends. Our ideas were respected, but the Appareil team also brought their own vision and immense creativity. Their attention to detail was unparalleled, and it truly elevated our project.” adds Mélanie.

Carried out with the construction team at Modulor, this project reflects the know-how
and precision of all involved, ensuring high-quality execution through meticulous detailing. Rooted in the idea of renovating rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project gives the existing structure a second life. Pied-de-vent stands as a testament to architectural transformation that balances aesthetics and functionality.

From the millwork block between the entry and kitchen, to the storage column woven into the staircase (which transitions into a bookshelf or cabinet depending on the level), and the custom-designed headboard in the primary bedroom — the project benefits from built-in furniture designed by Appareil, bringing harmony and cohesion to each space.

“On the exterior, the design plays with texture and proportion to soften the impression of
a bulky mass due to the new double garage. The façade is clad in wooden slats of varying
widths, visually distinguishing the garage from the house and lightening the volume overall.” —Esther Leduc, interior designer.

The architectural envelope was completely reimagined to unify the structure while showcasing the small, double-gabled house set atop a base — composed of the ground floor, garage, mudroom, and access to a covered veranda opening onto the backyard. The break in slat widths subtly divides the massing, striking a balance between visual lightness and structural solidity. Lastly, the soft beige tones of the cladding, roof, and window frames hint at the hushed ambiance within.

The backyard was designed as a refuge — a welcoming space for family and friends. The woodland at the edge of the property inspired the creation of an oasis, featuring a summer kitchen and a veranda that invites residents to fully embrace Quebec’s warm season.

Reimagined spaces, thoughtful openings, and a soothing material palette elevate this former catalog home into a luminous, contemporary, and custom-tailored residence.

The Pied-de-vent Residence demonstrates the power of architecture that connects deeply with its environment — far from standard solutions. Through careful attention to detail, the architects have restored identity and soul to this once-generic home, meeting the needs of an expanding family while offering a sustainable and inspiring living environment.

Photography: FelixMichaud