Projets / Maisons de la SODEC
Revealing heritage through mixed uses
Located at the heart of Place-Royale, the Maisons de la SODEC project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to heritage requalification, where restoration, new residential uses, and cultural programming coexist harmoniously within an exceptional historic setting.
A living and reactivated heritage
The Maisons de la SODEC project is a revitalization initiative involving three heritage houses located on Place-Royale, in Québec City’s Petit Champlain district. The Milot House includes an art gallery, while the Dumont and Le Picart houses feature commercial spaces on the ground floor. The second and third floors of each building, formerly used as offices, were converted into townhouses as part of the project. Finally, the interconnected vaulted basements of the three houses now house a museum.
The project objectives were to restore the exterior façades in accordance with the regulations of the Old Québec historic district, to rehabilitate the interiors in order to maintain existing functions, and to integrate a new residential program into portions of the existing spaces.
Designing within the constraints of Old Québec
Due to its nature, the project presented several challenges, including mixed uses, the diversity of existing construction systems (solid stone masonry walls, timber framing, and partial concrete structures), construction work in a dense and historic environment, and strict regulations prohibiting visible exterior mechanical equipment and limiting exterior alterations. All of this had to be achieved while integrating modern residential amenities and ensuring compliance with the building code. Despite these constraints, a thoughtful and inventive design approach successfully harmonized all requirements, resulting in a complete and exemplary project.
For example, two exits were required to accommodate the new residential units. While the main entrance served as one, a secondary means of egress was necessary. However, regulations did not allow for visible alterations to the building façades. The solution was to design traditionally styled balconies, one in wood and the other in wrought iron, creating refuge areas that seamlessly integrate the new function within the constraints of the existing buildings.
Mechanical systems required for ventilation and air conditioning also posed potential visual impacts. Air conditioning units were concealed behind traditionally styled perforated wooden screens, while several ducts were discreetly integrated into underused existing spaces, such as non-functional chimney shafts.
Between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary interventions
The exterior envelope was restored according to best practices in heritage conservation. All characteristic architectural elements of the French Regime style, including iron window bars in basement openings, roof ladders, shutters and rotating fasteners, S-shaped anchors, wooden plank gutters with wrought iron supports, finials, cut stone window and door surrounds, and cedar shingle, slate, and plank roofing, were restored using traditional methods.
Because interior architecture is not governed by the same regulations, the project provided an opportunity to introduce more contemporary elements within the traditional context. Particular attention was given to the selection of lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and built-in furniture finishes. A restrained color palette highlights the stone masonry walls of the vaults, wide wooden floorboards, exposed ceiling beams, and the imposing timber roof structures.