King Edward Residence by Atelier Schwimmer: A Renewed Interpretation of the “Split-Level” Concept

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 6

Felix Schwimmer and Georgia Cardosi from Atelier Schwimmer work together to complete this project in the city of Côte Saint-Luc, on the island of Montreal, Canada. King Edward Residence borders King-Edward Street where there are a lot of split-level houses, typical 1950s-level houses. It is a 2800 sqft residence where the architect proposes a renewed interpretation of the “split-level” concept.

Design

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 1

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 2

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 3

This residence sits on the site before a fire destroyed it. A young owner is the owner of this residence, chosen it among several others because it is perfect for their needs and tastes. For the architect who has been mandated to replace it, it is a project of a renewed interpretation of the “split-level” concept.

 

Elements

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 4

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 5

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 6

The building has three elements: a paving stone leading to the street, the building itself, and a backyard. The interior revolves around a central staircase and on the ground floor, there are glazed day spaces overlooking the gardens. It is clad in bricks forming a T seen from the front and surrounded by the bedrooms in the main volume parallel.

 

Volume

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 7

King Edward Residence By Atelier Schwimmer 8

The steel garage volume is set back from the building facade under the left side of the T and it creates an alcove above the front door. The third volume consists of half-level which rises in front of the 10-storey building, protecting the central terrace privacy. The half-levels offer two different atmospheres: a dark atmosphere with a low ceiling and a bright atmosphere with double height. The staircase climbs into a vertical void and it is capped by a skylight.

 

King Edward Residence Gallery

 

Photographer: Atelier Schwimmer