Project: Port-Royal Apartment
Architecture: Mitchell Sweibel Studio
General Contractor: Modulor
Location: Montreal, Canada
Area: 3580 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Alex Lesage
Mitchell Sweibel Studio, a renowned architectural design firm based in Montreal, proudly presents its latest project: the meticulous renovation of an apartment in the iconic Port-Royal tower. Situated in the prestigious Golden Square Mile of downtown Montreal, this 3,580-square-foot apartment on the 30th floor of a 33-story residential building built in 1964 boasts unobstructed views of Mount Royal.
Embracing the Building’s Timeless Character
The monumental building lobby served as a significant source of inspiration for the apartment’s redesign. With its limited selection of classic, noble materials and simple, repetitive architectural forms, the lobby exudes presence and elegance. “Our goal was to introduce a contemporary language of design while remaining faithful to the building’s character and its timeless architecture,” explains Mitchell Sweibel.
Opening Up to Mount Royal
The apartment features three expansive horizontal windows that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Royal. The project began with the crucial task of freeing these windows from any obstructions. This required a complete overhaul of the existing apartment configuration.
Renovating a mid-20th-century building presented several complex challenges. The design had to navigate around numerous building shafts typical of constructions from this era. Additionally, the team relocated existing plumbing under the concrete slab and redistributed ventilation to achieve a full-height, uninterrupted ceiling throughout the apartment.
Structured and Organized Space
To create a harmonious layout, the design introduced an axial wall dividing the apartment into two distinct areas. This wall not only organizes the served and servant spaces but also invites curiosity with its transition in floor materials, becoming an intriguing architectural feature. The wooden floors, laid with square joints, add a sense of calm and order to the vast space.
The apartment’s bold mass walls, inspired by those in the lobby, are covered with lime plaster, offering qualities of order and symmetry repeated throughout the building.
Subtle Details and Noble Materials
Departing slightly from the lobby’s design, the apartment introduces the concept of misalignment, evident in the transition of floor materials at the axial wall and subtle material transitions in the servant spaces.
A limited palette of matte finishes and textured materials is applied throughout the apartment. The plaster walls, paired with rough sawn walnut cabinets, showcase two noble materials expressed in a contemporary manner. The master bathroom features hand-made ceramic tiles from Japan, while custom back-painted glass doors adorn the bedrooms. The exits for air ventilation are cleverly concealed in the ceiling reveal detail of the axial wall. Magnetic lighting tracks provide flexibility and creativity in lighting design.
“While the overall form of the apartment remains sympathetic to the order of the building, these subtle differences become apparent to the keen eye,” concludes Mitchell Sweibel.
Conclusion
Mitchell Sweibel Studio’s renovation of the Port-Royal apartment seamlessly blends contemporary design with the timeless character of the building. Through thoughtful reconfiguration, use of noble materials, and attention to subtle details, the studio has created a harmonious living space that celebrates both modernity and heritage. The result is a stunning residence that offers breathtaking views, functional elegance, and a deep connection to its architectural roots.
