Project Name: Pierce – Tiny
Project Type: Row House Renovation
Location: Downtown Montreal
Area: 3,820 sq ft per floor for all 6 units / Tiny Homes: 390 sq ft per unit
Renovation Completion: 2023
Photographer: Studio CRBN
General Contractor: Impervius
publications:
At the rear of architect Robert Findlay’s majestic William D. Stroud townhouse complex, a small, unobtrusive alley draws attention. It is punctuated by six brick buildings, crowned by sloping metal roofs. Originally intended for utilitarian purposes, these annexes were used for storage and as emergency exits. Their distinctive charm soon became apparent, giving rise to the innovative idea of converting them into mini-homes.
However, their small size meant that they could not be converted into living quarters without intervention. It was therefore necessary to enlarge them slightly, while preserving the simple, authentic character of the existing architecture. This extension, although contemporary, was set back to maintain the emphasis on the original volumes. Preservation of the heritage facades was essential, as the scale of the maisonettes contributes to the charm and uniqueness of the courtyard.
This architectural approach is in keeping with the logic of reusing existing structures, which is more environmentally friendly than demolition followed by reconstruction. The project also poses a broader reflection on our real needs, calling into question over-consumption and the accumulation of goods.
In an urban environment, where space is in short supply, this kind of initiative pushes creativity to the limit to densify the territory. The micro-house concept, which has gained in popularity in Quebec over the past twenty years, represents a logical solution for dense urban areas. Finally, this project raises the need to review regulations and rethink the way we live in cities.