ERE STUDIOS

Alex Lesage

• Architects

Located at the vibrant intersection of Griffintown and Old Montreal, within the dynamic Cité du Multimédia, ERE has recently established itself as a premier destination for fitness and community. Occupying the ground-floor corner unit of a prominent seven-story office building, the 4,415-square-foot (410 m²) space is accessible from both the bustling Boulevard Robert-Bourassa and the building’s internal lobby. Designed to serve a clientele of young professionals, the project balances the raw industrial character of the existing architecture with an elevated, luxury retail atmosphere.

The design strategy embraces the building’s original envelope, exposing the concrete floors, metal ventilation ducts, and expansive windows to create a clinical, industrial backdrop. This raw aesthetic is softened by the insertion of warm, curvilinear volumes and a sophisticated material palette. Upon entering, the reception area feels open and intentionally gallery-like, illuminated by flat square light panels suspended in a precise, clinical grid. The space is anchored by a sculptural, rounded stainless steel reception desk—a monolith installed at an angle to intuitively guide customer flow.

Contrasting with the cooler tones of glass, mirror, and concrete, the common areas feature walls painted in a warm cream hue, accented by playful touches of baby blue, butter yellow, and terracotta that reflect the brand's identity. A long banquette upholstered in rich red velvet lines the windows, accompanied by matching poufs and small bleachers, creating a social hub for members to gather before and after classes. Tucked into the back wall, a juice bar clad in curved blue ceramic offers a refreshing post-workout station.

The transition zones are designed as immersive experiences. The open entrance vestibule features a custom U-shaped bench crafted from natural oak with organic stainless steel bases, centered before a blush pink locker wall and a large mirror bearing the Ère logo. Deeper within, the main locker room is a monochromatic immersion of light blue, enveloping the walls, full-height lockers, and doors, punctuated by two striking blue monolithic marble vanities.

The three fitness studios act as distinct "cocoons," contrasting heavily with the brightness of the lobby. The spin studio is a dark, high-energy environment designed for 40 bikes, where color-changing LED systems synchronize with the music to drive the workout intensity. The heated strength room features warm brown walls and flooring, lit by a dimmable LED perimeter that washes the walls in a soft glow, emphasizing the room’s enveloping warmth. Finally, the Pilates room houses 10 reformers in a space softened by long sheer curtains, filtering natural light from the street-facing windows. Through its design-forward approach and strategic use of materials, ERE transcends the standard gym experience, offering a refined sanctuary for the modern Montrealer.