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Collection by Kelly Dawson

A Montreal Renovation Uncovers Rich, Century-Old Architecture

A renovation opened up a property built in 1910.

When designer Anne Sophie Goneau first ascended the stairs of a century-old triplex to reach its highest door, she found a site filled with low standards: a series of light-obstructing walls cornered off rooms and boxed in a tiny kitchen. But the property had potential and it didn’t hurt that its address in downtown Montreal was close to entertainment. “The challenge,” she said, “[was] to optimize the space while respecting the architectural integrity of the existing location.” As demolition of plaster walls took place, Goneau and her team discovered original bricks that she decided to work into the final design. Now, the bricks are just one example of a home distinguished by its details—from glossy thermoplastic cabinets to glass partitions that carry light to every corner.

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Sico’s Grey Frost white paint covers the majority of the walls in the kitchen and dining room, while the countertops are Silestone’s gray quartz in a Cemento shade.
Sico’s Grey Frost white paint covers the majority of the walls in the kitchen and dining room, while the countertops are Silestone’s gray quartz in a Cemento shade.
The custom-made kitchen cabinetry has a thermoplastic surface that gives it a glossy finish. A glass wall separates the kitchen from the office, and it features an Eames Molded Armchair by Herman Miller.
The custom-made kitchen cabinetry has a thermoplastic surface that gives it a glossy finish. A glass wall separates the kitchen from the office, and it features an Eames Molded Armchair by Herman Miller.
“The idea was to highlight the raw materials discovered during demolition,” Goneau said. Steelwood Chairs by Magis sit under a translucent FL/Y lamp by Kartell in the dining room.
“The idea was to highlight the raw materials discovered during demolition,” Goneau said. Steelwood Chairs by Magis sit under a translucent FL/Y lamp by Kartell in the dining room.
The kitchen’s exposed brick wall matches its cabinetry in Benjamin Moore’s “Kendall Charcoal” hue. A Joe Colombo Coupé 2202 table lamp by Oluce illuminates a walnut cutting board.
The kitchen’s exposed brick wall matches its cabinetry in Benjamin Moore’s “Kendall Charcoal” hue. A Joe Colombo Coupé 2202 table lamp by Oluce illuminates a walnut cutting board.
“The color palette is monochromatic to better communicate the subtlety in the materials’ texture,” Goneau said. The living room, which opposes a Zeus Tavolo table in the office, receives the same blue pop of color as the kitchen in the form of a custom-made ottoman.
“The color palette is monochromatic to better communicate the subtlety in the materials’ texture,” Goneau said. The living room, which opposes a Zeus Tavolo table in the office, receives the same blue pop of color as the kitchen in the form of a custom-made ottoman.
White oak wood and recessed lighting by Contrast Lighting streches from the homes' common areas to its sole bedroom, where a Mega Knit blanket by Hay covers the bed.
White oak wood and recessed lighting by Contrast Lighting streches from the homes' common areas to its sole bedroom, where a Mega Knit blanket by Hay covers the bed.
The cast pipe is original to the property and stands next to a Starck 3 toilet by Duravit. A glossy white epoxy floor and a glass shower adhere to the interior's minimal aesthetic.
The cast pipe is original to the property and stands next to a Starck 3 toilet by Duravit. A glossy white epoxy floor and a glass shower adhere to the interior's minimal aesthetic.
Douglas Fir covers the outdoor terrace, where custom-made cedar seats overlook the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
Douglas Fir covers the outdoor terrace, where custom-made cedar seats overlook the Jacques Cartier Bridge.