This project transformed a former industrial space into a luxury residence for a client who loves to cook and entertain. Additionally, part of the space became a secondary apartment. Built in the 1820s, 120 McGill in Old Montreal is a heritage building. The space takes up an entire floor that had been previously converted into two equal-sized apartments. Because our approach was to preserve the space’s industrial character by exploiting the textures of the original materials, we began by gutting everything added in the remodelling. The floors were mostly unsalvageable, so we laid in a heated concrete slab.

The walls were thick, made of three layers of brick and exterior openings could not be modified for patrimonial reasons. Our floor plan optimized available light sources and the layout of the master bedroom as well as the office/guest room with its Murphy bed and bathroom, exploit this layout approach. The result is an open and lofty space which yet preserves a sense of privacy. Boasting an 18-foot-longisland topped with the hardwood planks reclaimed from the floor, the kitchen was undeniably designed for entertaining. All the appliances except the gas range are commercial grade. The raw brick walls were painted, and other textures were preserved and rendered warmer.