Project: Maison Grand Trunk
Architecture: Le Borgne Rizk Architecture
Location: Québec, Canada
Area: 2185 ft2
Year: 2019
Photo Credits: Maxime Brouillet
The Maison Grand Trunk by Le Borgne Rizk Architecture preserves the historic character of its neighborhood while introducing a contemporary extension that highlights the dialogue between past and present. Located at the intersection of Rue Grand Trunk and Rue Ropery, the project respects the traditional urban fabric yet asserts its modern identity with precision and care.
Preserving the Historic Fabric
From the street, the façade maintains the traditional rhythm of the neighborhood. Regularly aligned openings, traditional volumetry, and the use of authentic materials ensure that the new intervention does not disrupt the established template. The architects also retained key details such as the cornice and window typology, strengthening the building’s connection to its heritage.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
The extension contrasts with the existing building while remaining anchored in its context. By stretching along Rue Ropery, the new volume forms a contemporary hyphen that connects seamlessly with the grid of neighboring façades. This duality between old and new emphasizes the temporal layers of the architecture, celebrating the coexistence of history and modernity.
Inspired by Local Typologies
A distinctive feature of Maison Grand Trunk is the reinterpretation of porte cochères, so typical of the area’s 19th-century working-class buildings. The connection between the volumes opens onto an inner courtyard, echoing this historic urban gesture. Similarly, the treatment of entrances on Grand Trunk recalls the wooden elements that once marked the commercial spaces, providing a subtle nod to the street’s architectural past.
A Contemporary Presence
Although the renovation honors tradition, the new façade elements bring a modern dimension. Contrasting textures, cleaner lines, and updated proportions situate the project firmly in the present, while the integration of traditional references ensures continuity with its surroundings. This balance results in a building that is rooted in history yet undeniably contemporary.
