In Montréal’s Plateau Mont-Royal, Atelier Barda transformed a grocery store with two apartments above into a single-family home with garage, garden and rental unit.

The former storefront windows and the main central door were conserved. But, to add a measure of privacy needed for a residence, a service block was built that incorporates a closet, powder room and bookcase, so that passersby can only catch glimpses of domestic goings-on.

The most interesting detail is the handrail for the stairs at the rear of the living room, which folds and curves gracefully to form a newel post evoking the whiplash tendrils of Art Nouveau decoration.

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