A beam inscribed with "welding body repairs" is left exposed in this Montreal restaurant, designed by locally based Ivy Studio, as a nod to its former use as an auto body shop.
Ivy Studio retained a number of the steel beams, which bear a series of worn-out slogans relating to the car shop, when turning the space into the Jack Rose bar and eatery on the city's Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
Featuring a dark red hue, and black and white markings, the weathered structural elements are offset by pink lime-plaster walls and plenty of greenery. Described as "tropical themed", these new details are intended to add warmth to the space.
"In a city with long and harsh winters, the owner dreamed of a decor detached from its context with a particularly warm ambiance," said the studio.
"This atmosphere is created through the different textures and colours as well as an abundance of plants integrated throughout the space."
Throughout the space, Ivy Studio has contrasted warmer pink and green elements with darker details, such as rough floor covering, black rendered walls, and smoked mirrors, which are backlit to "recall a sunset while offering softer background lighting".
In the middle of the restaurant, the team added a curved bar with a pink-hued wood on the front. The central structure is intended to segment the remainder of the rectangular space into various areas for drinks and dining.
"This configuration draws you to move around during the evening and explore the space through different angles," said the studio.
Benches and tables throughout the space provide high seating areas, and low nooks for dining. Each is lined in stained black wooden planks, contrasted by pink leathery seating and marbled table tops.
Among these is a cosy nook at the section of the restaurant, featuring a curved mirror, velvety dark green stools and curtains, and wooden flooring in a herringbone pattern.
Formerly known as Obiekt, Ivy Studio is led by architects Gabrielle Rousseau and Philip Staszewksi. The team's previous projects in Montreal include a pared-back interior for a fashion brand and a barbershop.
A colour-blocked cafe and artist workshop, a falafel shop featuring red corrugated roofing and a Lebanese snack bar and bakery are among other eateries recently completed in the Canadian city.
Photography is by Jack Jerome.