Naturehumaine adds zinc-clad extension to 19th-century home in Montreal
Local studio Naturehumaine has created an angular addition to a historic dwelling in Montreal, featuring dark zinc cladding that references works created by the owner, a graphite pencil artist (+ slideshow).
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_0-e1461842935645.jpg)
Called the McCulloch Residence, the project called for an extension to a residential property built in the 1860s at the base of Mount Royal – a large hill near the city centre
It was designed for a man named Dr McCulloch, but was later divided into two dwellings.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_2-e1461750164277.jpg)
Montreal-based Naturehumaine was charged with expanding one of the dwellings, which is occupied by an artist.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_3-e1461750248855.jpg)
The firm added an angular two-storey building that contains a kitchen and an art studio, along with an enclosed patio.
The "sharp shape" of the addition was driven by the site's angled setbacks.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_4-e1461750225669.jpg)
The architects clad the structure in grey brick and black zinc panels, and inserted windows of varying sizes.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_12-e1461843603576.jpg)
"The black materials echo the nuances of the works of art made by the owner, a graphite pencil artist, and interact with the grey stones of the century-old house," said the firm.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_15.jpg)
To establish a visual connection to the historic building, the firm also placed clusters of zinc panelling on the original facade.
"Special attention was given to transitions in materials to foster a flowing perception of the old and new sections," the studio added.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
Inside, the architect took create care to integrate both historic and modern elements.
A wooden square wall was discovering during the renovation and serves as the centrepiece of the dining room, which is located on the ground level.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_16.jpg)
Another focal point is a large blue unit that sits between the kitchen and entry vestibule. It is used for kitchen storage on one side and bicycles and skateboards on the other.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_8.jpg)
Russian birch was used to fabricate built-in furniture and cabinetry, including a simple wooden staircase with perforated metal railings that leads to the art studio upstairs.
A skylight illuminates the stairwell, while angled windows in the studio provide extensive views.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_14.jpg)
A patio on the ground level is encircled by a black steel screen, which provides privacy while still revealing views of the neighbourhood and the forested Mount Royal.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_936_13.jpg)
Naturehumaine is led by architect Stéphane Rasselet. Other projects by the studio include a house extension in the Quebec countryside that combines wood and steel panelling and a bakery that features a slatted wood ceiling.
Photography is by Adrien Williams.
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_03.gif)
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_01.gif)
![McCulloch Residence by naturehumaine](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/04/mcculloch-residence-naturehumaine-house-extension-montreal-canada_dezeen_02.gif)