A new construction, the Holy Cross house was designed by Canada’s Thomas Balaban Architecte in the Southwest neighborhood of Montreal. Its boxy, aluminum-clad exterior echoes the look of a nearby veterans’ home in order to fit its contemporary look with that of the other architecture on the block. More than just an aesthetic choice, the metal also helps regulate the home’s passive energy by reflecting sunlight. The home is further insulated by concrete panels and polished floors, which helps to keep the space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In the middle of the sustainable design, there is a central courtyard, which connects the indoors to the outdoors. Wooden details, from Ipé decking to heat-treated white oak, reinforce the connection among both the interior and exterior spaces and the natural environment.

Photography by Adrien Williams

    string(5) "Holly"
Avatar photo

Holly

Holly is a poet from Kentucky. She grew up first in a Sears house, then on a farm. She studied English and Gender Studies at Mount Holyoke College and moved to Manhattan for love. As an occasional jewelry-maker and museum patron, Holly favors wearable and functional design but is eager to see work that challenges her aesthetics. Read more and connect by visiting her blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Tags: , , , ,
    • Battery House

      Architecture

      A single family house designed with two areas: a “battery” that contains the main programs…

    • The Big Zip

      Architecture

      A modern cows’ shed designed with spacious areas and a walkway that allows visitors to…

    • House of Grid

      Architecture

      A low-profile, contemporary house designed with a grid-like structure that creates open and private spaces…

    • Apartment with a Library

      Architecture

      The collaborative renovation and transformation project of a Milan apartment with an unconventional layout. Located…

    • The Fyrgani Holiday House

      Architecture

      A charming dry stone house designed with blue elements that reference the color of the…

loader