Maison SOKO: Heritage and Modern Design in Sherbrooke

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In the heart of Sherbrooke’s transitioning downtown, Maison SOKO by MARK + VIVI stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation and adaptive reuse. This 12,000-square-foot, five-unit mixed-use building not only preserves a slice of Canadian industrial history but also redefines functionality and aesthetics for a modern audience. Mark Fekete and Viviana De Loera, the duo behind the interdisciplinary design-build studio MARK + VIVI, have transformed an early 20th-century furniture warehouse into a vibrant space that embodies sustainability, community, and creativity.

The Architects Behind the Vision

Mark Fekete and Viviana De Loera, co-founders of MARK + VIVI, bring a shared passion for architecture and design innovation to their projects. With degrees from California Polytechnic State University, they specialize in breathing new life into historic structures while embedding them with contemporary relevance. At Maison SOKO, the pair have created a living and working environment that reflects their philosophy: celebrating heritage while prioritizing environmental and community needs.

Designing a Dialogue Between Old and New

Maison SOKO embraces its early 20th-century roots while incorporating modern interventions that enhance both structure and style. The original red brick exterior remains largely untouched, maintaining the building’s historical character and blending seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. Inside, refinished wood floors, steel columns, and Glu-lam beams complement the traditional heavy wood framing, creating a harmonious balance of old and new.

Antique discoveries during the renovation—like vintage woodworking tools and hand-painted storefront signs—have been integrated into the design, adding layers of narrative to the interior’s industrial warmth. These thoughtful inclusions make Maison SOKO a unique example of how architecture can preserve and repurpose history without sacrificing contemporary functionality.

A Space for Community and Creativity

The building’s mixed-use program is designed to serve both private and public functions. While it houses the residence and studio of MARK + VIVI’s founders, it also includes a coworking café that has become a hub for Sherbrooke’s growing community of international students, academics, and young professionals. This dual purpose fosters a sense of connection and collaboration, aligning with the designers’ vision of creating spaces that bring people together.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability underpins every design decision at Maison SOKO. The project’s extensive reuse of materials, such as reclaimed wood for furniture and locally sourced Canadian plywood for cabinetry, reflects an eco-conscious approach. Modern energy-efficient upgrades, including double-glazed low-E windows and enhanced insulation, reduce the building’s energy consumption by 20% compared to similar projects in Sherbrooke.

By opting for renovation over new construction, MARK + VIVI not only preserved the building’s historical essence but also achieved significant cost savings. Maison SOKO was completed at $120 per square foot, well below the average for comparable new builds in the area.

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