Project Highlights
General contractor: Archetype Construction
Ceramic: Arta Ceramic
Doors: Luxio Doors
Kitchen: Atelier Boisteck
Doors & Windows: Shalwin
Curtains & Canvases: Store Urbain
Plumbing fixtures: Batimat
Light fixture: Lambert & Fils / EDP Lighting
Maurice Martel architecte Studio in Montreal, Canada, recently undertook an ambitious project: converting an ordinary, single-level former hair salon into their new architecture office. This renovation, completed in May 2024, showcases the firm’s innovative approach to space optimization and custom design.
Utilizing Vertical Space for Natural Light
One of the standout features of this project is the ingenious use of vertical space. By tapping into a previously unused crawl space, the architects were able to increase the ceiling height significantly. This structural modification not only added volume to the space but also allowed for the installation of large windows. The influx of natural light transforms the office into a bright, open, and stimulating work environment, crucial for fostering creativity and productivity.
Custom Design and Thoughtful Innovation
Every element of the new office was custom-designed to meet specific needs and dimensions. The conference room furniture, kitchen area, doors with unique proportions, and storage solutions were all tailored to fit perfectly within the space. An elegant strip of glazing in the ceramic wall floods both the conference room and open workspace with light, while also enhancing acoustic quality in the conference area. The open-space table, crafted from a wooden structure covered in lime plaster, blends seamlessly with the walls, demonstrating a perfect fusion of furniture and architecture. This level of customization ensures that every square centimeter is utilized effectively, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Clever Use of Materials
The project is notable for its resourceful use of cost-effective materials. The ceiling, painted black, recedes visually, making the space feel taller and more expansive. Lime-treated walls, combined with concrete floors and ceramic accents, create a cohesive visual harmony. These materials introduce varied textures that enrich the overall aesthetic, making the office not just a place to work, but an inspiring environment that reflects the firm’s values of creativity and precision.
Respecting Existing Structures
A key aspect of this renovation was the judicious use of resources and respect for the existing structure. By thoughtfully reimagining the limited commercial space, Maurice Martel architecte Studio demonstrated how careful planning and custom design can reinvent a space. The project successfully transformed a small, ordinary salon into a dynamic, functional office that speaks to the possibilities of architectural vision.
The renovation was executed by Archetype Construction, with contributions from various specialized suppliers such as Arta Ceramic for ceramics, Luxio Doors for unique door designs, and Atelier Boisteck for the kitchen. Other contributors included Shalwin for doors and windows, Store Urbain for curtains and canvases, Batimat for plumbing fixtures, and Lambert & Fils / EDP Lighting for light fixtures.
Maurice Martel architecte, founded in 2016, continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture. Their work is characterized by a creative approach to design, materiality, and construction, as well as a commitment to stimulating architecture through built projects, research, exhibitions, and publications. This latest office transformation project is a testament to their innovative spirit and dedication to architectural excellence.
