Architecture Competition Portugal Elderly Home 2nd prize winners – Atelier L'abri

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "Portugal Elderly Home" competition – Nicolas Lapierre, Charles Édouard Dorion, Keyan Ye and Jeth Owen Guerrero from Canada!

2nd prize winners from Canada

Atelier L'Abri is an architecture and construction firm based in Montreal. The workshop specializes in ecological, healthy, and sustainable construction. It advocates for innovative architecture solutions, putting forward wellness and the human and social character of our environments. Through its design-build approach, L’Abri delivers turn-key projects combining quality and performance. L’Abri’s designs are timeless, unique, and at the human scale. 

The 15 person workshop was founded in 2013. Atelier L’Abri’s mission is to promote best practices in sustainable construction through inspiring and exemplary architectural projects that contribute to a healthier built environment.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/individuals have been involved? 



Atelier L'Abri specializes in sustainable and innovative construction projects, with a focus on residential, commercial and hospitality projects that have a positive social and environmental impact. The studio works at all scales, from adaptive reuse projects to masterplans. L’Abri’s practice is defined by its holistic approach to design which seeks balance between beauty, functionality and sustainability. L’Abri notably designed the third certified Passive House building in Quebec, highlighting its commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and sustainability.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society? 



Architecture is a means to create meaningful and lasting positive impacts on individuals, communities, and the environment. Architects imagine and shape our built environment, influencing how people interact and live. As such, it is their role to design functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that promote well-being and sustainability. Architects at Atelier L'Abri believe in their responsibility to inspire, shape the future, improve quality of life, and contribute to the cultural fabric of society through design.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?



Architecture competitions are an opportunity for Atelier L’Abri to explore new ideas, foster innovation and showcase the workshop’s creative capabilities and expertise.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architectural competitions is a great opportunity to develop your practice, expand your portfolio and gain visibility while shaping your own unique architectural vision.