The new owners of this 1200 sq. Ft. Loft in the "Unity Building", a classified heritage building from 1913, have given us the opportunity to redevelop the space while highlighting the industrial aspect of the space. Originally a printing, graphic design and publishing companies, the "Unity Building"* is one of the first in Montréal to adopt the concrete floor slab, resting on "mushroom" columns, with capital are truncated pyramid. The floor configuration forms a Z plan with two columns in the central part, which represents a challenge in the layout of the spaces.

For the sake of returning to the original features of the place, the wooden floor finishes were removed to expose the concrete slab. A semi-open room has been created in the farthest corner away from the windows. The circulation area that borders the room and separates the entry of the living spaces consists of many storage modules, a rare feature in loft type homes. These very neat storage on one side are deconstructed on the other side. The boxes are assembled on black steel poles from the floor to ceiling. Satin glass panels are installed between the adjacent posts and allow daylight to make its way into the bedroom while maintaining privacy.

The new kitchen set near a large window offers sturdy stainless steel countertops, industrial-looking work surfaces that reflects light. The black cabinets and cherry wood inserts bring refinement and sobriety to the kitchen area

In the bathroom, new concrete finishes are highlighted on the sink and on the wall behind the white bathtub. The cherry wood of the vanity brings a touch of warmth into this windowless room.

* The Unity 1 project won a prize for the quality of its refurbishment, in the Historical Buildings Category, in 2001.