An outstanding builder

The Domus Prize

The Latin word Domus referred to the dwelling, the residence, the house, but with an aura of prestige and luxury dedicated to the more affluent classes. It was in this spirit of prestige and excellence that the APCHQ (Association provinciale des constructeurs d’habitations du Québec) created the Domus competition in 1984. Each year, the APCHQ recognizes builders who demonstrate outstanding qualities in many aspects of their business. During the competition, they are looking for business leaders renowned for their leadership, ingenious innovators and builders of high-quality residential projects.

Each year, the competition attracts around a hundred seasoned companies who submit their best creations in 17 competitive categories.

 

 

Morin-Heights residence

A modern home

In keeping with the owners’ wishes, the house is resolutely modern with its clean lines and cubic volumes. Large windows encircling the living room and dining room, among others, illuminate the house throughout. And its high ceilings give spaciousness to a vast living area. The result is a spectacular space, bright and pleasant to live in. The windows are hybrid, aluminum on the outside and wood on the inside.

Locally sourced materials

But in this residence, the “contemporary” concept is combined with extensive use of natural, locally-sourced materials. The all-wood exterior cladding, structural columns, wood floors, staircase, wall and ceiling panelling are all supplied by a local company in Saint-Jérôme. A similarity in the wood species used for the interior and exterior finishes (white pine, fir and larch) lends aesthetic coherence between the exterior and interior of the house.

A pool on a mountainside

Locating the pool on the south side of the house, below the ground, posed significant technical challenges. A retaining wall literally had to be built into the mountain, and the level of the pool’s sidewalk had to be identical to that of the garden level (an ergonomic requirement), while leaving enough space for the floral arrangements.

 

Polished concrete floors

 

Smoothing

The first step in achieving polished concrete floors is initial placement, also known as smoothing. When the concrete is poured, the cement-maker levels the surface of the slab using a mechanical trowel, commonly known as a « helicopter ». This method differs from conventional concrete placing, which is done by hand, using a concrete trowel. This method of placing concrete can be obtained for as little as $1.00 per sq. ft.