Maison Coursol

A Masterful Blend of Heritage and Contemporary Elegance: The Transformation of a Montreal Gem

In this inspiring project, we were fortunate to work with exceptional clients who deeply appreciated the quality of the space and architecture they inhabited. Having won the Opération patrimoine Montréal award in 2017 in the Care Category, the homeowners already understood the importance of respecting the built environment and enhancing the architectural and heritage components of their home. The space to be reworked was small, but the perspective of heritage conservation provided a clear framework for our interventions.

An Inspired Entrance

The entrance of the house served as a primary point of inspiration for the new project. This space, with its marble flooring and curated antique decorations, perfectly married contemporary details with the house’s existing heritage aspects. It set the tone for the subsequent design interventions, blending the old with the new in a seamless and elegant manner.

Crafting a Master Suite

Our mandate was to create a master suite that included a bedroom, a bathroom, and a closet. The design journey began with an intentional nod to the passage of time and the transformation that followed, by leaving the front door of the suite unfinished. Inspired by the beautiful ornate archway that once divided the double living room, we created new archways to divide the space into three distinct areas.

The Boudoir: A Restful Anteroom

The first area is an anteroom, designed in the spirit of an old-fashioned boudoir. Bathed in natural light from new French doors punctuating the exterior wall, this space serves not only as functional storage but also as a restful retreat. The boudoir acts as a physical and psychological threshold to the bedroom, providing a serene and elegant transition.

A Cozy, Comfortable Bedroom

Accessed through the boudoir, the bedroom, though small, is designed for maximum comfort, reminiscent of a luxury hotel room. The focal point is the wall behind the bed, adorned with ornamental mouldings that reference the home’s heritage, anchoring the bed in the space and adding a touch of elegance.

A Jewel Box of a Bathroom

The final threshold is a pair of small antique wooden doors, opening like a jewel box to reveal a large bathroom wrapped in noble materials. The materiality of the doors was inspired by the antiques found in the house's entrance, creating a cohesive design language. The bathroom flooring mimics the marble herringbone pattern found at the entrance, extending this motif to the shower area and vanity backsplash, ensuring continuity throughout the home.

Integration of Modern and Heritage Materials

The use of marble in this project reflects a living, natural, and recyclable material—timeless and perfectly suited to linking contemporary and heritage elements. We introduced a secondary contemporary material by integrating a concrete sink basin and brass fixtures, chosen for their ability to develop a rich patina over time. The large wooden cabinet in the bathroom echoes the wood wardrobe found in the boudoir but is detailed in a more modest way.

Thoughtful Design for Future Comfort

Finally, the curbless shower allows for easy, barrier-free access, giving the owners the opportunity to age gracefully in this cozy and contemporary master suite. This thoughtful design ensures that the space remains functional and comfortable for years to come, respecting the important heritage of the home while providing modern amenities.

Conclusion

The transformation of this Montreal home is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and heritage conservation. By blending contemporary elements with the existing architectural details, we created a master suite that is both functional and elegant. This project demonstrates that respecting and enhancing the heritage of a home can result in a space that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.