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Melrose Residence
By : Bipède
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Kitchen : Gold Certification
Categories : Residence / Residential Space 1,600 - 5,400 sq.ft. (150 - 500 sq.m.) : Gold Certification
The Melrose project involves the redesign of a semi-detached single-family home, including a three-storey rear extension. From the street, the integrity of the façade has been preserved, retaining the original Tudor-style details. Only a glimpse of the contemporary extension can be seen from the street, with its wood siding and vertical windows.
It’s in the rear courtyard that the gesture is fully revealed. In an assertive contemporary language, the monolithic facade maximizes openings, plunging interior spaces into a direct connection with the garden.
The interior design also preserves original elements such as the staircase and fireplace, which cohabit harmoniously with a new contemporary space that is both refined and warm, perfectly suited to the owners’ eclectic style.
The existing part of the house was decompartmentalized to open up the livingspace to the new extension. Enclosed spaces were concentrated in the extension of the original staircase, housing the powder room and a pantry directly connected to the breakfast nook and kitchen.
On the first floor, the extension is marked by a lowering of level to connect to the rear lot, which is slightly lower than the alley. This transition is accentuated by a change in materiality. The concrete floor and exposed wooden ceiling beams contrast with the rest of the house. This creates a well-defined, intimate sub-space, housing a living room and dining room close to the courtyard. This space is further enhanced by the all-glass rear façade.
The kitchen, a connecting element between the various open-plan sub-spaces, is built around an imposing central island. At the edge of the extension, its end features of storage spaces, accessible from both the breakfast nook and the dining room. Composed of a table and two integrated banquettes in the style of a chic resto-bar, the breakfast nook serves as a support for numerous family activities. It perfectly complements the kitchen and helps define the living area at the edge of the change in floor level. The overall look is characterized by natural tones and materials: integrated furniture in sage green and blond wood, greige stone, yellow ochre felt banquettes, tan leather and brass accents.
On the 2nd floor, the rear is occupied by the master bedroom en suite, adjoined by a boudoir and office space. The 2 rooms are linked by a passageway running along the rear glass façade, where a large curtain accentuates the effect of continuity. These two adjoining rooms benefit from a generous opening onto the garden. Storage space is maximized in the bedroom, with built-in wardrobes occupying 3 wall sections where the bed is fitted. A new bathroom completes the master suite.
The basement has also been remodeled. The space beneath the extension has been lowered to maximize ceiling height, allowing for the installation of a children’s play area.
Collaboration
