In Montreal’s Outremont district, Atelier Chardonnat and Salem Architecture have unveiled the stunning renovation and expansion of a 1950s home. Originally designed by Architects Morin & Cinq-Mars with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, this transformation honours its historical essence while creating a serene retreat on Mount Royal. The design incorporates Japanese and Scandinavian elements, reflecting the owners’ tastes and connecting the home to the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.
Modifications to the main facade highlight the original architecture’s horizontal lines, seamlessly integrating the expanded areas. By positioning the new volume at the rear, the project preserves the street-facing facade’s original charm and proportions, maintaining harmony with the neighbourhood. A linear skylight floods the living space with natural light, effectively separating the existing structure from the extension.
The generously glazed rear facade connects strongly with the outdoor landscaping and forest, enhanced by vertical IPE wood slats that create visual rhythm and balance. Exterior wood elements transition indoors, blending into oak wood and blurring the line between inside and out. Expansive overhanging slate roofs merge with the existing stone, pale-coloured brick, and tin-coated copper for a cohesive aesthetic.
The landscaping features a Zen garden with Japanese influences and various water features, including ponds and a courtyard fountain, adding to the home’s serene ambiance. River pebbles and thyme replace conventional grass, enhancing the landscape’s unique appeal.
Inside, a blend of natural materials like oak, walnut, stone, marble, and Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood creates elegant unity. Baseboard-free ceilings and floors, along with seamlessly integrated doors, enhance the airy elegance. The interplay of straight and sinuous lines enlivens the interiors, while the imposing height of the cathedral ceiling, textured walls, and gentle curves strike a balance that is both grand and soothing. Architectural lighting and carefully selected artworks elevate the overall atmosphere, making this transformed 1950s house a timeless sanctuary.
www.chardonnat.com; www.salemarchitecture.ca
Article by Lily Wong
