Project description

Vives St-Laurent has designed the interior renovation of a residence built in 1929, located on Montreal’s South Shore. The project engages in a thoughtful dialogue with the existing structure, revealing the potential of the original building through a contemporary, restrained, and sensitive design approach.

Set back from the street, the house spans three levels in a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery—a setting that immediately charmed a family that had recently moved from Toronto.

The owners, Marie and Chris, who work in finance and human resources, respectively, share a keen interest in architecture and design. After restoring a Victorian home in Toronto, they are approaching this project as an opportunity to explore another aspect of heritage, with its own unique challenges and qualities.

The low ceiling heights and steep roof slopes guided the reorganization of the spaces. Having undergone successive transformations, the house requires a precise distinction between the original elements and the more recent alterations. The approach taken prioritizes continuity with the existing structure, gradually revealing qualities that had previously been obscured, rather than introducing stark contrasts.

The material palette, true to the studio’s approach, reflects a pursuit of timelessness and restraint. The project revolves around subtle variations in wood, stone, and ceramic. A white oak floor and stained woodwork define the spaces, while lacquered surfaces and painted moldings ensure a smooth continuity. In the kitchen, stained oak defines the island and extends into the bathroom vanities. The cabinets, finished in a muted beige lacquer, complement the walls, while countertops in honed Calacatta marble are featured throughout the bathrooms.

Ceramic tiles play a more prominent role in the bathrooms, adding texture and nuance to the color palette. On the ground floor, terracotta-colored flooring warms the space, while cream-colored wall tiles diffuse natural light. Upstairs, the master bathroom features larger-format tiles, which help define the space more clearly.

The ground floor is the focus of the main renovation, housing the entryway, a bathroom, two offices, the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room. A glass partition defines a semi-open workspace, allowing light to flow freely. The openings were meticulously redesigned to open up views to the outside, while existing elements—such as the fireplace, exposed beams, and spatial layout—were carefully restored.

Upstairs, the master bathroom is now connected to the bedroom, forming a suite with a walk-in closet. A second bathroom has been added for their young daughter, bringing the total to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Glazed transoms punctuate the hallways, allowing light to filter through and enhancing the sense of openness.

The ensemble exudes understated elegance, where clean lines define a contemporary living environment, structured by a series of transitional spaces that balance openness and privacy.