MONTREAL — The Maplewood Residence embodies an interior transformation that blends contextual sensitivity with contemporary sophistication. Originally built in the 1940s, the stone house retains its original architectural language, while its living spaces have been entirely reimagined to meet the needs of a modern family.
The entire project, led by Salem Architecture, is grounded in a pursuit of unity and coherence, both in palette and composition. The dialogue between soft travertine tones, used across floors, walls, and the kitchen island, and richly grained walnut, creates a warm, calming, almost meditative atmosphere. Each material was selected for its sensory qualities and its ability to interact with the natural light that now flows generously through new openings in the rear façade.
Innovation is expressed through the refinement of both design and execution, as well as the ability to integrate technical constraints within a harmonious formal composition. The light fixture above the dining table, developed in collaboration with Hamster Objets de Compagnie, illustrates this desire to unify form and function. The integration of mechanical systems, concealed behind solid walnut elements, the storage solutions, and the precision of the joinery all demonstrate a high level of technical innovation. No element seeks to stand out ostentatiously, and everything is calibrated with care, from the open-plan kitchen to the attic and the new bathrooms.
The opening up of the kitchen, dining area, and outdoor space creates a large, fluid, and inviting environment, deeply rooted in the family’s daily life. Ample concealed storage, integrated into the space or hidden behind fluted glass sliding doors, allows the kitchen to remain visually uncluttered without sacrificing functionality. The island becomes a central anchor, as does the large solid wood dining table.
The selection of noble materials (walnut, reconstituted natural stone) ensures durability throughout the renovated areas, while the flexible design allows the house to evolve over time.
Creating new openings in the existing stonework, adding structural reinforcements, and perfectly leveling the floors demanded exceptional expertise to achieve the project's high level of detail. The success of the Maplewood Residence stems from the synergy of the disciplines involved: architects, general contractor (Projet Caron), millworkers (Gepetto), light fixture artisans (Hamster Objets de Compagnie), and furniture makers (Atelier Vaste).
Technical Sheet
Architect and interior design: Salem Architecture
Structural Engineers: Geniex
General Contractor: Projet Caron
Cabinetmaker: Gepetto
Table, Chairs and Stools: Atelier Vaste
Dining Room Light Fixture: Design by Salem Architecture and execution by Hamster Objets de Compagnie with the collaboration of Atelier Vaste
Kitchen Island and Tiles: Vibrant surfaces and Cosentino
Plumbing Fixtures: Ramacieri Soligo
Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.
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