DESK architectes designed the complete interior renovation of this split-level in Vieux-Longueuil as an opportunity to enhance the architectural quality of a typical suburbs residence.
Located on the edge of Vieux-Longueuil, this 80s residence had remained virtually unchanged since its construction. The mandate was to design the complete interior renovation of the building. The kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom had to be completely reshaped. It was necessary not only to replace all the interior finishes but also to create a significant new aesthetic by magnifying the intrinsic qualities of the building and by optimizing the functional relationship between rooms.
The architectural concept takes advantage of the characteristics of a split-level ground floor. The living room of these buildings is generally a long open space, lacking in a spatial hierarchy. The concept, therefore, proposes to organize the space, without partitioning it, by adding metal claustra and blocks of built-in furniture.
The staircase linking the living room to the kitchen served as an opportunity to create, on the living room side, an architectural bench made of white oak in continuity with the steps of the stairs. On the dining room side, a short drywall act as a railing that hides the table from the living room while keeping the visual relationship between the two levels.
The kitchen, formerly organized in a “U” shape, has been completely reconfigured. Two large blocks of integrated built-in now face each other to frame a vast functional island. The new configuration of the kitchen provides more storage spaces and freed up the rear wall to allow wider openings to the backyard.
The bathroom has been reconfigured to create two distinct areas; the light zone combines the vanity, the medicine cabinet, and the bath while the dark zone combines the toilet and an Italian shower.
The Renovation C+G is a rehabilitation exercise of a typical suburban split-level. It reveals the potential hiding in older houses in a real estate market where new constructions are often preferred.
Data sheet
Project: residential renovation
Client: Private
Location: Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
Budget: $ 180,000
Number of levels: 2
Area: 2,010 ft2 (187 m2)
Architects: DESK architectes
Project managers: Etienne Duclos & Kévin Sylvain
General contractor: Projets H.E.T.A.
Cabinetmaker: Ébénisterie ALD
Flooring: Unik Parquet
Photographer: Maxime Brouillet
Chronology: Design 2019 / Construction 2019-2020 / Completed 2020
