The Ma Chambre project aims to restore and expand two existing buildings while preserving their historic façades. Led by the non-profit organization Ma Chambre, this project aligns with its mission to promote autonomy, stability, and social integration for low-income individuals living alone by providing safe, affordable housing, an improved quality of life, and access to support resources.

The new three-story building, including a basement, will house 32 studio apartments, 7 of which will be adapted for people with reduced mobility. Each studio, with an average area of 29 m², will receive maximum natural light, ensuring comfort and well-being for residents. Our team has ensured the creation of spacious and accessible common areas, reinforcing the sense of community.

The surrounding architectural context, marked by a mix of duplexes, triplexes, and apartment buildings, influenced the project’s design. The existing buildings, recognizable by their stacked apartment typology with Mansard roofs and dormers, are witnesses to their era.

We carefully restored these distinctive façades, while cladding the buildings in brick that reflects their original color, preserving their authenticity and moisture management capabilities.

The new addition, located at the rear façade along Labrecque Street, draws inspiration from the neighboring industrial architecture with a modern design. The recycled brick cladding alternates with that of the adjacent triplex, creating a harmonious contrast between old red brick and yellow brick. The recessed section overlooking the English courtyard will be clad in metal, echoing the varied rear façades of the adjacent alley.

For this project, we aim to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. With a timber structure and concrete foundations, the project embodies a harmonious balance between architectural heritage and environmental innovation.