Share to
Dobie residence
By : Entre Quatre Murs
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Home Office : Platinum Winner
Categories : Residence / Kitchen : Gold Certification
Categories : Residence / Residential Space 1,600 - 5,400 sq.ft. (150 - 500 sq.m.) : Gold Certification
Categories : Residence / Classic/Timeless Residential Space : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design +Wood : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Renovation (Before & After) : Gold Certification
Located in the Town of Mount Royal, this 1959 home had not been renovated in several decades and featured the typical completely enclosed rooms and small, narrow, dark hallways upstairs. Wanting to create a home that would fit their lifestyle, the clients had chosen to purchase this property for its location and large garden, but wanted a radical transformation of all the floors so that their family could thrive in it for the many years to come.
To overcome the lack of natural light, the approach was to open up the existing house by decompartmentalizing many of the rooms and creating an impressive opening between the second and the first floor. The completely open white and wood staircase and the glass railings crossing the three floors of this residence give an impression of lightness as soon as one enters the space by allowing the light to pass through the entire house. In order to create a strong connection with the exterior, imposing openings were made on the rear facade, allowing a view of the garden at all times.
Although the space is entirely open concept, the kitchen is not directly visible upon entering the house, nor is it visible from the living room or the office located on the second floor landing. It is only by taking the stairs that it is possible to appreciate all the spaces simultaneously. Each room has its own privacy and the views between each space do not interfere with the enjoyment of the moment, but simply allow a glimpse of other family members moving from one room to another. Even though the majority of the two floors are one open area, the custom furniture and positioning of the rooms provide a certain amount of tranquility and privacy.
In order to create consistency with the rest of the main floor, the designers chose an unconventional approach to the design of the kitchen. The kitchen is divided into two distinct spaces. The front portion consists of three integrated furniture elements that were designed with a light touch. There are no wall cabinets, the china cabinet is reminiscent of the bookcases found in the living room, and the delicate legs of the island give it a communal table area around which the family gathers each evening to prepare dinner. Setback, the all-black pantry stands out from the kitchen by its contrast, highlighting it and visually establishing it. It was deliberately planned that no door would close it to facilitate access. A true extension of the kitchen, this space has been maximized in order to discreetly integrate the refrigerator, the coffee corner, as well as all the small daily appliances. These elements remain visually hidden, but within easy access. Humble and unifying, this space deeply rooted in family life harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionality.
On the second floor, all private spaces are articulated around the central opening of the house. Far from the original corridors and partitioned spaces, the new configuration plunges the occupants into the heart of family life as soon as they leave their private spaces. These spaces act as small cocoons of intimacy and allow for the rhythm of life of the different members of the family. Particular attention was paid to the acoustic insulation of these spaces. An integral part of the floor plans design, the office has become a central piece in the owners\’ daily lives. They wanted to be able to work occasionally at home with an unobstructed view of the garden. Placed in the center of the space, the large work surfaces act as a central island around which all members of the family can gather to work, including the children at homework time.
No detail in this project was left out, including the basement in which three functions coexist harmoniously without mixing. This was made possible by the use of cabinetry modules that provide a visual delineation between the gym, the pool area and the family room. In order to optimize the use of the space, the design of these custom-made pieces of furniture also enhances the functionality of each of the sub-spaces. The result is a lively and multifunctional basement used daily by the whole family.
Collaboration
Interior Designer : Entre Quatre Murs
