In the heart of Montreal, MXMA Architecture & Design and Patrick St-Onge Habitat have unveiled Party of Two, a residence distinguished by a design that marries the warm intimacy of traditional wooden chalets with the elegance of modernist lines. Located on the ninth floor of the former Northern Electric plant on the banks of the Lachine Canal, the urban chalet offers spectacular panoramic views of Mount Royal and downtown Montreal.
“Each element was designed to meet the specific needs of the owners, Jay and Dan, while maximizing the potential of the space,” explains Maxime Moreau, principal architect at MXMA Architecture & Design. “From the kitchen, the domain of Jay, a food enthusiast, to the music room, a space dedicated to Dan, an inveterate music lover, the Party of Two Residence is arranged to enrich the sensory experience.”
Already owners of a corner apartment in the former factory, the couple seized the opportunity to acquire the adjoining unit to create a vast living space for a unique, immersive visual experience. This fusion created a light-filled apartment, open on three facades, offering a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the city. The residence’s east-west orientation is ideal for creating a space that evolves with the rhythm of the sun, from morning to night, adapting to the couple’s lifestyle.
The heart of the residence consists of a central volume designed to group all service spaces. Living and reception areas are arranged around this functional core, preserving the fluidity of the space while maximizing the enjoyment of the panorama. By concentrating technical and service elements in this central volume, the architects have freed up the living areas in front of the large bay windows, allowing each room to take full advantage of natural light and the horizon.
From the entrance, the contrast is striking between the subdued atmosphere of the vestibule, a veritable wooden cocoon, and the bath of light that floods the living spaces. Leaving the vestibule, you’re immediately directed to a first living room with a minimalist design that invites you to relax. At the center of the room sits the Mjolk Arm sofa, combining clean lines and comfort, flanked by two OMA speakers, veritable objets d’art. Sound-absorbing wood-textured walls and ceilings create a soothing atmosphere.
This is followed by a vast dining room that links naturally to the kitchen. The centerpiece of the residence, the kitchen allows the couple to prepare meals while exchanging ideas with their guests. It unfolds along two large islands, which delimit clearly defined work areas. The kitchen’s sleek modules cleverly conceal a multitude of practical details, clever storage and functional spaces, including the plumbing columns for the apartments above, which represented a challenge in the project’s realization. This design contributes to optimal ergonomics, allowing the couple to cook with ease, enjoying a fluid and functional space.
“With the dining room on one side and a dinette table extending the large island on the other, the kitchen is surrounded by gathering areas. This layout reinforces the apartment’s warm, convivial spirit, encouraging exchanges and moments of sharing,” adds 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 harmony of materials plays a central role in the creation of this residence, a true reflection of the owners’ artful lifestyle. Each material has been meticulously selected for its beauty, functionality and ability to enhance the sensory experience of the apartment spaces.
“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,” concludes Gaillard. “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.”
Photography by Photographie Intérieure CO.
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