triplex-roy-laval-251-roy

Triplex Roy-Laval

Type: New construction of a multiplex building
Location: Plateau Mont-Royal, Montréal
Year: 2014
Consultants: Alt and Agapi Architects, execution drawings; Calculatec Inc., structural engineer
Photos: Steve Montpetit

The modulation of the building at the intersection is achieved with a 12 degree rotation of the ground floor that reveals views ‘around the bend’ so to speak and with the subtraction of the balconies from the volume on the upper two floors. The basement and first floor volume displacement produce a cantilever of the top two floors over Laval avenue and creates a triangular, covered entryway leading to the communal staircase.

The main vertical circulation/access to the units became the second most important volumetric element in the building. The staircase is inserted into a notch in the middle of the Roy elevation to reduce the impact of the large corner-lot volume and is clad in glass for natural lighting and to contrast with the brick. The communal staircase also features a large skylight which, in combination with the open-tread stair, allows light to penetrate down to the ground floor from above. The result is that of an indoor-outdoor experience as one moves up or down the staircase to access or exit the units.

The final volumetric modulation is the subtraction to the back of the building on the top floor in consideration of the natural-light impacts on the neighboring building and lot on Laval. This also creates a rooftop terrace for the top floor unit overlooking Roy street.