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Crișan House

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield QC, Canada

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Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC Canada
completed in 2013
photo by Claudiu Olaru

The project involves the refurbishment of a forty-year-old bungalow. While the owners did not provide a detailed program at the outset, they expressed a desire for large, well-lit spaces and a terrace overlooking the river along the north side of the site. Given the original house’s already generous footprint, the transformation focused on adding a second floor and reconfiguring the interior layout.
The site’s scenic quality guided the enhancement of window areas by consolidating and enlarging the existing openings. Special attention was given to the roof design to ensure the new volume harmonizes with the surrounding friendly neighborhood and creates a visual connection to the roofscape of the client’s hometown, Sibiu. Oversized dormers in the living area and upper floor introduce abundant natural light onto ceiling surfaces, producing a dynamic and playful effect. The dormers are oriented to maximize solar heat gain during winter, while mature trees on the site help shade the house in summer, maintaining comfort year-round.
The structure is entirely wood-framed, including studs, joists, and beams. The roof and second floor are clad in metal—standing seam roofing and siding respectively—while the ground floor integrates with the new construction through the simple but effective treatment of painting the original brick black.