Design Buy Build Issue 38 2019 | Page 46

Meaningful Connections Ice Shore House by Indesign Inc The project brief was unusual, to say the least: “Ensure me freedom in my advanced years.” In 2013, an elderly citizen sought out the services of Gary Conrath. Both knew each other well since Indesign had conceived and constructed the co-property building where the woman had been living for a decade. The third storey dwelling was no longer suitable for her. She wanted to live at ground level, in an environment designed to meet her anticipated future needs. Exterior Mobility Following the advice of her architect, the client purchased a vacant lot in Verdun, a neighbourhood with history dating from the beginning of New France. Of prime importance, the site provided several alternatives to automobile driving. Bus travel, as preferred by seniors is immediately available in front, and the Métro, Montréal’s subway is but a short walk away. 46