The Subtle Balance Between Modernity and Warmth APPAREIL architecture has taken up the challenge of building a living space across four floors inside a particularly narrow and deep building. This former triplex located in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie was transformed into a functional residence adapted to the needs of a young family. All under the refined and northern signature of the young Montreal-based firm. Collaborative work was carried out between the firm and the young owners. As soon as they purchased the triplex, the couple already saw the space’s potential for transformation into a single-family home. They contacted APPAREIL architecture to provide them with the help they needed. A major transformation of the interior space was necessary, as well as maintenance work on the external facade.
From the start, the mandate was very clear. The owners wanted to revisit the living spaces to optimize space, maximize storage, increase influx of light and bring a maximum of warmth and conviviality to their future living environment. They dreamt of a charming and adequate space in which to watch their two young children grow.
The great challenge of interior design was to maximize each level’s potential. In order to maximize natural light, living spaces were concentrated in the center of the building. Thus, light is more present in the kitchen, the dining room and the living room. To optimize the link between each of these rooms, that are organized on two levels, the team imagined a large opening between the ground floor and the first floor, resulting in a dynamic and user-friendly layout. The addition of generous openings in the rear facade amplifies the luminous effect and reinforces the close connection with the garden by opening borders with the outside. In terms of furniture and lighting, the team worked with various local craftsmen. The interior design was complemented by the integration of furniture designed by Quebecois designers and manufacturers, members of Coop ETABLI. As for the light fixtures, the firm worked with HAMSTER to design the lamps in the bathroom, the kitchen and the dining room.
"We transformed a small triplex into a single family house to suit a family of four. Our project was a bit unusual for Montreal: a narrow house, all vertical. APPAREIL made us many creative proposals that have highlighted these characteristics. We have been very involved in all stages of the transformation and APPAREIL has guided and advised us well, certainly avoiding several errors. But above all, we love the result: a very luminous, clean and highly functional house, where everything has its place, and everyone, its space. " - Pierre-Luc and Marie-Julie, owners.