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Tropique 410
By : Atelier Schwimmer
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Residential Space ≤ 1,600 sq. ft. (≤ 150 sq.m.) : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Renovation (Before & After) : Gold Certification
The Tropique Nord residential complex, built in 1989, sits next to the iconic Habitat 67 in the Cité du Havre on Mackay Pier. Singular for its 12-storey atrium containing a tropical forest, it offers each home a balcony open to this year-round temperate garden on one side, while the front façade offers a view of Montreal’s Old Port.
Unit 410 is 1440 square feet. The design of its interior layout is inspired by the elongated shape of the dwelling, as well as the nautical and tropical context. The organization of the space is characterized by a obstacle-free path from one end of the dwelling to the other.
Hall and corridor
A typical feature of apartments in multi-storey buildings is the imposing infrastructure of the ventilation system. The original ceiling was composed of 45-degree fallouts, revealing the path of the bulky ventilation ducts. Our intention in managing the ducts, fixtures and ceiling heights was to optimize ceiling height. To achieve this, we chose iGuzzini’s Laserblade surface-mounted LED luminaire, whose position accentuates the elongated character of the dwelling. The luminaire’s axis points from one end of the apartment to the other, i.e. the rainforest or the port of Montreal as you walk down the corridor. Curved walls and furniture along this axis visible recall the nautical context while softening the path of natural light.
Bathroom
Another constraint in the project layout stems from the position of drains and vertical technical void. The previous bathroom had been built on a podium, allowing the bath and shower to be relocated. We chose to respect the location of the drains and structures to eliminate the podium. This space is designed as a spa and as an extension of the bedroom. A wide sliding door, concealed as a wall, provides a visual connection between the rooms while retaining the possibility of separating the spaces. The bathtub is positioned in the center of the room offering a view of the Montreal harbor and downtown skyscrapers. A heated floor extends into the shower separated by full-height glass walls. The curvature of the shower wall reflects the curve of the corridor.
The neutrality of the materiality, distinguished by tones of white and oak, enhances the outside views.
The « Faro » light fixture suspended above the island is signed Botté, an « upcycled » streetlight diffuser from the city of Montreal circa 1967. The black line on the ceiling, a link between the garden and the view towards the famous « Farine Five Roses », illuminates the corridor with concealed recessed lights, and the living room with indirect light towards the ceiling.
This ode to the city of Montreal was the fruit of close collaboration between the client and his team.
Collaboration
