A Revelation Maison Du Parc

A Celebration of Resplendence and Minimalism

Featuring stark interiors which contrast with a contemporary aesthetic, Maison du Parc is a revelation, showcasing a “mysterious depth” that features a surprisingly minimalist look amidst the grandeur.

Overlooking the La Fontaine Park in Montréal, Maison du Parc, or Park House, is a three-storey residence in the Canadian city that has received a redesigned rear facade and a dramatic interior renovation. The house is a head-turner, with its design providing a sharp contrast with the overall impressive scenery. Inspired by the architecture of early-century mansions, the classic influence predominates in the overall design of the house, in regards to both space organization and the choice of atmosphere, materials, and furniture.

Montréal-based architecture practice la SHED architecture has completely overhauled the brick house, giving the house a fresh coat of white paint on its brick front and making sure that the facade remained carefully preserved. The carefully restored facade facing the street rivals the elegance of the back facade, which is entirely made up of windows and opens onto the backyard. The fully glazed exterior joins a garden, pool and detached garage at the back. These facades reflect the interior of the home and provide a perfect continuity in terms of the materials used.

Inside, a stark palette of black and white creates a contemporary aesthetic, visually warmed slightly by the herringbone-patterned dark wood flooring, and includes a sculptural staircase and a basement that houses a wine cellar, where frosted glass walls partially conceal dozens of wine bottles.

At the heart of the home, the notable, curved stairwell with missing risers winds its way through the three floors in a spectacular manner, bridging the gap between the various spaces. Several thin, carved partitions curve around and envelop the wooden steps, while translucent glass partitions, placed on both sides of the staircase, allow light to enter, while only subtly revealing what is behind, creating remarkable light effects and a mysterious depth. The steps continue the home’s dark wood flooring, while white rails seamlessly blend in with the otherwise crisp surfaces to create interiors.

Atop this sculpture, which is truly architectural in nature, is an immense skylight, which illuminates and highlights the staircase’s eye-catching curves.

At the front of the house is the living room, a perfect blend of a space that is fantastic for unwinding, or to have discussions in front of the marble fireplace. Painted in a comforting grey, is designed in a customary manner, especially in the centered, symmetrical perspectives created by the double windows overlooking the park, flanked by the narrow double doors leading to the kitchen. With an entire wall of windows facing the backyard, the kitchen and dining room take advantage of both the abundant natural light and direct contact with the outdoors.

Utilizing a minimalist look, the kitchen opens up around a large white marble island with matte black cabinets. Being detached on all sides and propped up by thin steel legs, the island enhances the feeling of spaciousness in the room, along with its perfectly integrated concealed doors, which offer the possibility of hiding or revealing a second countertop. Designed for formal entertaining and gourmet meal preparation in mind, the kitchen successfully combines elegance and functionality. In the adjacent dining area, a wood table and four matching chairs on either side stand out against the austere surroundings.

The basement bathroom delivers a surprising experience inspired by bathrooms in the finest restaurants. Designed with guests in mind, the cylindrical basin was installed on the floor in front of a partition mirror, hiding the facilities, in a space with a theatrical feel that opens onto the staircase and faces the illuminated wine cellar.

The entire home is consistently designed with monochrome materials, as well as a distinct combination of both vintage and contemporary furnishings to accentuate and bring out the perfect balance between classic and modern. The two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are located alongside an office-lounge, with a refined dark wall design to match the living room below.

Through the choice of finishes, its textures, its architectural details, as well as a careful balance of black and white interacting with soft shades of comforting grey, Maison du Parc is a strikingly charming and purposefully minimalist home which boasts of refined details and clean transitions that further add to the simplicity of the space. The end result is a meticulous design that clearly reflects a level of sophistication that exhibits both an exuberant abundance and a quiet restraint.

Maison du Parc has received renowned recognition for its design, namely by the Quebec Order of Architects Excellence in Architecture Awards 2019 (Winner in the House Interior Category), the Grands Prix du Design 2018 (Winner in the 1600 to 3200 Square Foot Residential Category) as well as the Dezeen Awards 2018 (Shortlisted Project in the House Interior Category).

About la SHED architecture

As a company that performs the majority of its work in the residential and commercial sectors, la SHED has developed a thorough expertise in the renovation, transformation and construction of buildings of all types and all historical backgrounds. The synergy of the la SHED team can be felt not only in project work, but also in the conviction that architecture can be done differently by developing partnerships with people who choose to invent, or reinvent, their lifestyle.

With core elements like openness, lighting and alignment at the forefront of every project completed by the studio, its achievements stand out as a result of their functional and contemporary layout, as well as their use of materials that are durable, affordable and classical. Throughout the years, la SHED has excelled at dealing and managing to conceive seductive and intelligently designed spaces regardless of limitations.