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Résidence Beverley II
By : Humà Design + Architecture
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Kitchen : Silver Certification
Categories : Residence / Residential Space ≤ 1,600 sq. ft. (≤ 150 sq.m.) : Silver Certification
Categories : Residence / Classic/Timeless Residential Space : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Renovation (Before & After) : Gold Certification
The Résidence Beverley II project takes place in a charming 1930 semi-detached house in the heart of Town of Mount-Royal. Like typical garden city houses of that time it was very partitioned and dark. The family who loves to entertain contacted Humà Design + Architecture to reorganize the ground floor while preserving its original character. The mandate was divided into two areas: the main entrance and the living area. It was essential to revise the front veranda to create a proper main entrance separated from the office area while trying to fit a wardrobe. The kitchen and dining room area had to be reorganized to make the space feel larger and brighter.
Several layout options were considered, some of which included an extension, but it was ultimately a space optimization exercise that was chosen. The solution was to reposition the access to the basement under the stairs and to eliminate the secondary entrance and its small veranda to convert them into space for the kitchen. The entire area of the staircase hall, kitchen and dining room has been reconfigured. It was very important for the clients not to denature the house: creating a big open space throughout the whole floor was not a solution. A large useful wall crossing the house divides the space. Several functions have been integrated into it: the entrance wardrobe and broom cupboard on the hall side and the built-in refrigerator and oven area on the kitchen side. The layout of the kitchen is unconventional as space is limited. At its heart sits a large island worked in oak veneer color matched to the original moldings of the house. It faces the dining room and allows our clients to interact with their guests. The island is highlighted by a large linear volume in black stained wood with its custom-made round handles. It includes both the pantry and the hidden breakfast nook. Slightly set back, in the old secondary entrance, is the cleaning area with its deep counter and large corner window opening onto the backyard. The interventions are treated with finesse such as the walls covered with woodwork that accentuate the character and the new marble landing which restores nobility to the original staircase. The use of curves in several places softens the space, especially for the counter of the island, which frees up the space while the circulation areas are sometimes reduced.
As for the front veranda, it was necessary to give more presence to the main entrance. For the layout the idea was to create two office areas on either side of the entrance by creating room dividers. These panels of wood and textured glass with foldable portions make it possible to quickly conceal the daily clutter of work: everything looks good when the visit arrives! Built-in furniture was developed to create the two desks, a filing cabinet and an entrance bench. The creation of the cathedral ceiling, the new radiant floor covered with slate installed in a herringbone pattern and new windows accentuate the desired effect.
Supporting the clients throughout the process right down to the choice of furniture made it possible to complete the vision established to ensure the harmony of the project.
Collaboration
