Triplex Fabre House by Atelier l’Abri: A Thoughtful Multigenerational Renovation in Montreal

Architects: Atelier l’Abri

Nestled in the vibrant Petit Laurier neighborhood of Montreal, the Triplex Fabre House is a sensitive restoration and renovation project that celebrates the city’s historic architectural fabric. Inspired by the traditional duplexes and triplexes of Plateau-Mont-Royal, the project preserves the charm of Montreal’s signature red brick facades, stone detailing, and ornamental cornices.

The front facade’s original elements were carefully restored to maintain harmony with the surrounding streetscape. New front balconies and staircases were designed with minimalism in mind, subtly highlighting the craftsmanship of the red clay brickwork and the refreshed cornice detailing. This thoughtful integration honors both the heritage of the building and the context of the neighborhood.

Rethinking Interior Spaces for Multigenerational Living

Designed as a multigenerational home, the Triplex Fabre accommodates two generations of the same family. The renovation offered an opportunity to rethink the standard layout of Montreal apartments, optimizing the flow of natural light and circulation.

Key interior strategies included:

• Open floor plans: Living areas were expanded while bathrooms and bedrooms were kept minimal to maximize usable space.
• Enhanced daylighting: Enlarged rear openings allow sunlight to fill the interiors, creating bright and inviting living spaces.
• Cohesive material palette: Neutral tones and consistent textures provide a serene, unified aesthetic across all units.

This careful balance between openness and privacy ensures that the home meets the practical and emotional needs of its residents.

Connecting Interior and Exterior Spaces

The renovation extended beyond interiors. Rear balconies and railings were replaced and expanded, creating generous outdoor spaces that serve as natural extensions of the living areas. These terraces not only enhance the family’s connection to the outdoors but also offer private, usable outdoor space, a rare luxury in urban Montreal.

The backyard shed, a distinctive element in Montreal triplexes, was rejuvenated with white corrugated metal siding, blending traditional form with contemporary materials. The landscape design echoes the rear facade’s burgundy and neutral tones, fostering interaction with the lively alley while maintaining privacy for residents.

A Collaborative Design-Build Approach

The Triplex Fabre renovation was executed through a design-build collaboration between Atelier l’Abri and Modulor Construction. Every aspect, from unit layout and outdoor design to material selection, was developed in close consultation with the family. Remarkably, two family members contributed hands-on expertise: one as a trained architect and the other as a skilled carpenter.

This collaborative approach resulted in a project that is not only architecturally refined but also deeply personal, reflecting the family’s values and lifestyle. It demonstrates how thoughtful design, adaptive reuse, and multigenerational planning can create homes that are both functional and emotionally resonant.

Materials & Detailing

• Facade: Red clay brick, stone accents, ornamental cornice
• Balconies & Railings: Expanded for outdoor living
• Shed: White corrugated metal siding
• Interiors: Neutral tones, consistent texture work, harmonized material palette

All photographs are works of Alex Lesage