Growing without Changing Homes
Major Interior Renovation - Interior Design - Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinets and Finishes
Growing without Changing Homes
Major Interior Renovation - Interior Design - Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinets and Finishes
LIEU | LOCATION :
Montréal, Québec, Canada
(Plateau-Mont-Royal)
PROJET PAR | PROJECT BY :
Jessica Gutwein
MANDAT | MANDATE :
planning – architectural design– technical drawings – sourcing – site supervision – custom installations (Designer’s home)
CONSTRUCTION :
Éco-Distinction Inc.
ANNÉE | YEAR : 2008
SETTING
A triplex from 1910, divided into 3 apartments
The 720 square foot third floor apartment recently renovated to the young owners' comfort and style
But a growing family brings a pressing need for more space
PLOT
With the second floor rental apartment now vacant, the owners can expand downwards. The square footage is doubled and the family has room to grow.
THE EXISTING PLANS
The recently renovated kitchen and living areas keep their place on the bright and airy top floor, sending the bedrooms to the newly acquired second floor below.
The house takes on an inverted plan, with the entry and bedrooms on the lower level and the public and family spaces above.
The third floor architecture remains intact, to be augmented with some new furnishings, while the second floor sees a complete renovation of finishes and systems, while the majority of wall locations are maintained.
CUSTOM DESIGNED RUGS
A series of custom rugs created by the designer from carpet tiles visually connect the spaces on the two floors.
THE NEW THIRD FLOOR - FAMILY SPACES
An additional family room takes over the space of the former bedroom at the front of the house and a study reestablishes its place from what had temporarily become an adjacent nursery.
OUTDOOR LIVING
The existing small balconies are replaced with something more usable.
The top floor receives a larger cantilevered deck with just enough space for outdoor dining.
THE SECOND FLOOR ENTRY
The wall between the two entry doors is removed and a new vestibule is formed.
The wall hiding the stair is peeled off, replaced by open columns and storage beneath.
Coat hooks and a space for shoes are installed at the recess or the blocked off former doorway to the bedroom.
A custom slatted bench is installed over the heater near the entry doors, to provide a warm place to put on boots and to dry wet gloves.
THE NEW SECOND FLOOR - PRIVATE SPACES
Much of the original floor plan is maintained, receiving new finishes and fixtures throughout.
The existing bathroom is reconfigured and enlarged, wrapped in a birch and frosted glass wall to share the light with the adjacent spaces.
The laundry is moved downstairs in front of the bathroom, enclosed in a wall of cabinets.
The former living room becomes a central play lounge for the kids.
THE BATHROOM
The new family bathroom adds double sinks and a shower with small tiled bath.
The porcelain tile floor is accented with lines of glass mosaic tile.
THE MASTER BEDROOM
The new master bedroom occupies the double room and the bed is tucked in near the window. Closet units are added to serve modern needs for clothing storage.
THE OTHER EXISTING BEDROOM
The original small closet is replaced by custom floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry providing a new closet with upper cabinets and back-to-back bookcases serving the this bedroom and the master on the other side. A custom bunk bed uses the bookcase as a headboard.
THE NEW THIRD BEDROOM
A new third bedroom takes the place of the former kitchen, opening to a balcony looking out to the gardens beyond.
A murphy bed transforms the space from bedroom to office.