Naturehumaine creates stripped-down facade for Montreal residences
This Montreal residential building by local studio Naturehumaine features a simple brick facade punctuated with square windows and a rear parking area topped by a steel canopy.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_10.jpg)
Called the Marquette Residence, the multi-family building is located in central Montreal's Rosemont-Petite-Patrie district and faces a busy commercial street.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_11.jpg)
The 7,200-square-foot (670-square-metre) project consists of six units, each with two levels and private access. The units range from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet (100 to 120 square metres).
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
The building is "characterised by its simple volume," said Naturehumaine – a Montreal studio founded by Stéphane Rasselet and Marc-André Plasse, known for its Modernist buildings and interiors.
Other examples of Naturehumaine's work in its home city include an angular zinc-clad addition to a historic dwelling and a home renovated to include a gymnastics apparatus.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_14.jpg)
The front of the rectangular building features a stripped-down brick facade, with square windows that are framed with copper-coloured aluminium.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_13.jpg)
A small stair with black metal banisters leads to each unit's entrance, which is raised five feet (1.5 metres) off the ground.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_3.jpg)
The first level is elevated in order to bring natural light into below-grade areas.
"We wanted to give as much light to the basement level as possible by incorporating windows on the front and back facades," said the architects.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_9.jpg)
The rear facade is more diversified, with grey and brown siding and glass windows and doors that overlook a small parking area.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
A linear canopy made of galvanised steel, expanded metal and wood covers the parking spaces.
Patches of grass sprout up through porous paving, an element that was required by the city.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
"Parking spots had to be paved with porous materials," said the firm. "It allows for water drainage, and adds vegetation to the backyard."
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
Metal-grate walkways with glass walls connect the upper-level apartments to the canopy. Tenants access the parking area via a single switchback stair.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
Inside, the compact apartments have a "simple and sober" atmosphere, with open-concept floor plans and light-filled spaces.
The lower flats have three bedrooms, while the upper ones have two.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_15.jpg)
Finishes include walnut flooring and marble bathroom tiles. Staircases are fashioned from metal and wood, and kitchens feature walnut and white laminate surfaces.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
Other Montreal residential projects include the renovation of a 125-year-old dwelling by Architecture Open Form, which features a black facade, and a cedar-clad cabin by Paul Bernier located on a woodland slope just outside the city.
Photography is by Adrien Williams.
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_half-basement-floor-plan_1_.gif)
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_ground-floor-plan_1_.gif)
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_second-floor-plan_1_.gif)
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_mezzanine_1_.gif)
![Marquette Residence by Naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/05/marquette-residence-naturehumaine-house-montreal-canada_dezeen_section_1_.gif)