Private House in Montreal, Canada20 photos

The Black Box II estate in Montreal, designed by Natalie Dionne Architecture, has become one of the latest small discoveries in modern architecture. Like a finely carved jewelry box, large openings blur internal and external boundaries, revealing the true treasures of delicate woodworking.

Slab tiles on the terrace are placed in harmony with the concrete, just as the ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen is. The legacy of the past is embodied in the original oak floor in the dining room, preserved and restored. The kitchen island, finished with solid oak, rises in the center and serves as an altar for daily rituals. Around its perimeter lies more neutral white or black furniture. The project invites constructive creativity, acknowledging the collaboration of architect, builders, and owners in seeking both technical and aesthetic excellence. The art of architecture is expressed here in all its aspects.

This red clay brick cottage is typical of Westmount and the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce area of Montreal. Thanks to reconfiguration and the proximity of two black blocks, the architecture more accurately reflects modern lifestyle and preferences of its inhabitants. Designers aimed for a proper balance between old and new, creating a harmonious whole that preserves the authenticity of existing details while affirming the contemporaneity of their work.

Photos: Raphael Thibodeau