Local studios Atelier Chardonnat and Salem Architecture have renovated and expanded a mid-century modern house in Montreal, dividing the original residence from the addition with a monumental skylight.

Architects Morin & Cinq-Mars originally constructed Residence Ave Duchastel on Mount Royal in the Outremont district in the 1950s, drawing inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's designs.

Completing the renovation in 2023, Atelier Chardonnat and Salem Architecture worked to honour the historical essence and reestablish a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

"The interventions pay homage to this iconic architect and integrate Japanese and Scandinavian influences, which are highly appreciated by the owners," the team said. "The result is a spacious, welcoming living space that is deeply connected to the natural beauty of the surrounding forest."

The street side of the house is composed of light-coloured, textured brick and stone with large horizontal slate roofs and bands of windows on the second story that emphasize the original design's horizontality.

The additional volume is located at the back of the house, maintaining proportions and keeping the house in harmony with the neighbourhood.

Primarily glazed, the addition has a strong connection to the outdoors with vertical Ipe wood slats that juxtapose the horizontal brickwork. Tin-coated copper details outline corners and edges.

Inside, a large angled skylight carves through the space, separating the original perimeter from the addition and flooding the interiors with diffused light.

The interiors blend oak flooring with walnut cabinetry and a heavy stone fireplace with thin marble countertops. Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood is paired with a lightweight spiral staircase with a glass railing.

"The imposing height of the cathedral ceiling, paired with textured walls and gentle curves, creates a balance that is both grandiose and soothing," the team said.

Scandinavian design influence negated the inclusion of baseboards and mouldings. The studio opted for clean planes and sinuous lines, as seen in the seamlessly integrated doors that extend the full height of the wall.

Architectural lighting and artworks were carefully selected to continue the toned-down approach.

The landscaping – which blends into the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows – is a Japanese-inspired Zen garden with lush greenery and multiple water elements in addition to the backyard pool.

A tranquil pond marks the main entrance, a shallow rectangular water feature is set into the rear deck next to the sunken lounge area and a fountain sits in the side courtyard. River pebbles and planted thyme enhance the serenity of the garden.

With a blend of mid-century principles, Japanese design, and Scandinavian influences, the house is "a modern and welcoming residence that imbues a sense of well-being through the finesse of the design team's choices and the diligent execution of every detail".

Other recent renovations nearby include Ménard Dworkind's addition of a sculptural mezzanine into a 1980s home and Talo Studios introduction of "Japandi" interior elements into a 100-year-old Mount Royal house.

The photography is by Adrien Williams.

Project credits:

Architecture: Salem Architecture + Atelier Chardonnat
Interior design: Atelier Chardonnat
General contractor: Construction Archetype
Structural engineer: HBGC + Habitat-Fix
Landscaping: Collaboration le Paysagiste, Boutique Vivace et Atelier Chardonnat
Domotic: Environnement Électronique
Electrical: Electric Eel inc.
Fine woodworking: Élément Bois
Marble: Atelier Stone Age
Kitchen: Key Cucine Pure Cuisine
Kitchen stone: Casone
Faucets: CEA
Wrought metals and staircase: Félix Lepage Design
Windows: Josko
Living room skylight: A.D. Prévost
Fireplace: Norea
Concrete bathtub: Balux
Staircase lighting fixture: Bocci
Living room sofa: Meubles Reno
Living room lighting fixture: Davide Groppi