Party of two
Vamp visits a mid-century modern urban chalet overlooking the stunning panorama of downtown Montreal.
MXMA Architecture & Design and Patrick St-Onge Habitat are excited to share their latest project, Party of Two — a home that combines the cozy feel of traditional wooden chalets with the clean lines of modern design.
The apartment is located on the ninth floor of the former Northern Electric building, right by the Lachine Canal, and offers amazing panoramic views of Mount Royal and downtown Montreal.
It was designed for Dan and Jay, a couple from Toronto who love spending time in Montreal. The idea was to create an “urban chalet” by merging two apartments into a spacious 2,640-square-foot home. Every detail was thoughtfully planned to fit the couple’s lifestyle, reflecting their love for design, food, and music.
“Each part of the home was tailored to the owners’ needs while making the most of the space,” says Maxime Moreau, principal architect at MXMA Architecture & Design. The kitchen was designed especially for Jay, a food lover, while the music room is a dedicated space for Dan, who’s passionate about music. Together, these spaces create a home that’s all about enjoying the senses.
A closer look
Dan and Jay already owned a corner apartment in the old factory. When the neighboring unit became available, they saw an opportunity to create a much larger, open space. The new layout, open on three sides, floods the home with natural light and offers a stunning 180-degree view of the city. Thanks to the apartment’s east-west orientation, the light changes beautifully throughout the day, perfectly matching the couple’s lifestyle.
The heart of the residence is a central structure that brings together all the service spaces. The living and reception areas are organized around this core, keeping the flow of the space open and making the most of the panoramic views.
By concentrating the technical and service elements in the middle, the architects freed up the living areas in front of the large bay windows. This way, every room can fully enjoy the natural light and the wide-open horizon.
The central core — a dark wooden box — creates a striking play of light and shadow. The contrast between bright sunlight and darker areas brings a dynamic energy to each space. Integrated seamlessly into the interior design, this central volume becomes a design feature on its own. Cleverly placed openings in the core reveal impressive views of the skyscrapers, with Mount Royal visible in the distance.
As soon as you enter the residence, the contrast is immediately noticeable: the vestibule, with its cozy, wood-paneled walls, feels intimate and enclosed, while beyond it, the living spaces are flooded with natural light. Stepping out of the vestibule, you find yourself in a minimalist living room designed for relaxation. At the center of the room is the Mjolk Arm sofa, simple, elegant, and comfortable — framed by two OMA speakers, which are true works of art in themselves. Wood-textured walls and ceilings, designed to absorb sound, create a calming atmosphere.
The living room flows naturally into a large dining room, which connects directly to the kitchen. The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home, designed for the couple to cook and chat with guests at the same time. It features two large islands that clearly separate different work areas. Behind the kitchen’s clean, minimalist look, there are many smart details: hidden storage spaces, practical features, and clever solutions for integrating the plumbing pipes from the floors above , which had been a big challenge during construction.
The kitchen’s layout, designed for smooth movement and easy cooking, makes it a pleasure to use. It’s framed by gathering areas on both sides: the dining room on one side and a dinette table extending from one of the islands on the other. This setup strengthens the home’s welcoming, social atmosphere, encouraging conversation and shared moments, says Laure Gaillard, architect and project manager.
To the east, the music room and bar form welcoming, multi-purpose reception areas, creating the ideal setting for lively conversation or moments of peaceful contemplation. The music lounge is a sanctuary where every element, from furniture to acoustics, has been carefully considered to offer a unique acoustic and visual experience. Speakers have been positioned to provide exceptional listening, while the orientation and composition of Roche Bobois’ mythical Mah Jong sofa maximizes comfort and contemplation of views of the Montreal skyline.
The owners have each chosen to have their own suite. True havens of peace, the bedrooms blend harmoniously into the apartment’s design. Located on the east and west sides respectively, these sanctuaries offer a soothing refuge, bathed in natural light and perfectly adapted to each individual’s lifestyle and tastes. Jay’s suite evokes the image of a simple yet sophisticated bachelor pad, with a bathroom designed around the concept of a “prison chic” with raw materials. Dan’s suite reveals a gentle atmosphere, incorporating the lines and details of the mid-century modern style that characterizes the entire apartment.
Sensory Experience
The harmony of materials plays a central role in the creation of this residence, a true reflection of the owners’ art of living. Each material has been meticulously selected for its beauty, functionality, and ability to enhance the sensory experience of the apartment spaces.
While exploring various wood species, the owners were seduced by smoked eucalyptus. This wood, distinguished by its warm nuances and distinctive grain, became the common thread running through the visual narrative of the project’s materiality.
Fascinated by the mid-century modern style, the owners naturally opted for terrazzo flooring, with its delicate patterns and sophisticated nuances. Terrazzo enhances the refinement of the materials in the apartment, while the wooden ceilings add an enveloping warmth, reinforcing the comfort and intimacy of the space.
Green marble followed, bringing a touch of sophistication to the kitchen, bar, powder room, and Dan’s suite, while recalling the post-war modernist aesthetic. These materials, reflecting the owners’ tastes, fit perfectly with the creation of a space that is both contemporary and timeless.
In this project, we wanted to create a precious object: an apartment with a strong visual impact and a unique design that perfectly embodies Dan and Jay’s bold tastes, says Maxime Moreau.
A Harmony of Details
Many details have been carefully orchestrated to reinforce the residence’s unique narrative. They embellish everyday life and underline the importance of thoughtful, sustainable design.
The wooden ceiling, combining aesthetics and functionality, provides a pleasant acoustic atmosphere. Equipped with an absorbent acoustic felt, an essential component of sound balance, it attenuates reverberation on harder surfaces such as marble and terrazzo. This judicious choice preserves the elegance and refinement of the design.
The laser-cut radiator covers match the stone chips of the terrazzo floor. Electrical outlets by Bocci, discreetly integrated into the marble, add a further touch of sophistication. Lighting fixtures by Iguzzini are integrated between the wooden ceiling slats and blend discreetly into the shelves, creating refined lighting ambiances. Custom-designed wooden screens in eucalyptus ensure subtle privacy between bedrooms and bathrooms, while taking advantage of natural light. Delicate touches of marble in the study, bedrooms, and bookcases echo the apartment’s main material.
In this complete renovation, every element was carefully custom-designed to ensure overall harmony. The composition of the spaces and the choice of materials create a real art of living. This approach allows the couple to evolve in an environment where every detail is part of a quest for balance between comfort, functionality, and aesthetics, concludes Laure Gaillard.
