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La Caserne
By : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Renovation : Silver Certification
Categories : Residential Building / Prestige House : Silver Certification
Setting the scene
La Caserne is a loft located in the heart of Old Montreal, a Montreal Heritage Site. The original building was constructed in 1860, to which three storeys were added in 1907. Owned by the Religieuses hospitalières de Saint-Joseph, the building was designed as a warehouse, a use it retained until its conversion to residential condominiums in 1975.
Concept
The 135 m² apartment is located on the top floor of the building and benefits from direct access to a private rooftop terrace offering 180-degree, unobstructed views towards the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River. The renovated space combines two neighboring units. The non-structural partition separating the two addresses was removed to open up the full width of the space between the load-bearing brick walls. The result is a raw space with a generous ceiling height that benefits from abundant light thanks to its southeast-facing windows and two skylights.
The decision to leave the building’s structure exposed highlights its ancient constructive systems. The stone façade and brick walls as well as the wooden ceiling are exposed. The ceiling is restored and the St. Andrew’s crosses, which had been removed in places, are reconstituted. The demolition of obsolete fireplaces allows the space to be opened up to the maximum, but required the obstruction of openings in the slab which provided the opportunity to add electric subfloor heating, thus taking advantage of the slab’s thermal mass. A white oak engineered floor completes the décor while allowing heat transfer. Canadian slate is used for the entrance and kitchen floors. The slate comes from a quarry in Nova Scotia and is processed by the supplier, L’Ardoisière de Prévost. The windows were restored to their former glory and their thermal performance improved by the addition of weather-stripping and new thermal glass.
Elegant kitchen and bathroom complement the living space without compromising on comfort. High-quality cabinetry by Créations de la Sablonnière offers ample storage space while enhancing the interior design.
To maximize the flexibility of living spaces, the bedroom area is outlined by Costal glass and steel partitions from manufacturer Projet Acier Montréal, which can be opened and folded away. Motorized curtains along the perimeter of the room and the skylight offer the necessary privacy and shade.
The result is a marriage between the aesthetics of old factory industrial architecture and a contemporary touch that asserts itself by contrast. It meets the standards expected of a high-end home and favors modern urban lifestyle.
Collaboration
Architect : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes
Engineering : Plan A Experts-Conseils
