Muni by Ivy Studio
Tucked into the base of Montreal’s historic Nordelec building, Muni brings a new sensibility to indoor golf.
Designed by Ivy Studio, the project occupies a ground-floor corner of the 1913 industrial structure, the project taps into the character of its brick-and-steel shell while introducing a layered interior that feels both social and intimate. With nearly 7,000 square feet of programming, Muni offers a distinctive take on the club model—one where Southern-inflected hospitality and digital golf simulators sit comfortably side by side.
Designed as an immersive experience rather than a strictly performance-oriented venue, Muni embraces the spirit of shared activity. The layout is driven by a central corridor that anchors the flow between the two main functions: on one side, a suite of semi-private lounges housing golf simulators; on the other, a full-service restaurant and bar. The lounges are conceived more like living rooms than training bays, each with a mix of banquettes, high-top tables, and recessed seating areas. Heavy green curtains, textured carpets, and custom lighting soften the industrial backdrop and give each lounge its own atmosphere.
The restaurant introduces a contrasting energy—a vibrant social core defined by elevated banquette seating in rich stripes, a central bar with integrated screens, and a series of communal and booth options. Televisions are strategically placed throughout, reinforcing the club’s connection to sports culture while maintaining a sense of cohesion. A discreet kitchen supports a Southern-inspired menu that feels unexpected for Montreal, offering comfort staples like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and ribs.
Materiality is a key thread throughout the project, balancing rough and refined in equal measure. Exposed concrete floors and raw brick walls are tempered by red oak veneer, glossy painted surfaces, and burgundy upholstery details. In the simulator lounges, layered greens—ranging from deep forest to lighter putting tones—set the tone, while nods to traditional golf textures (checkered lighting, striped textiles, chrome accents) lend a sense of playful familiarity.
Lighting is treated as a storytelling device across the venue. From the monumental light box above the reception desk to the triangular pendants above the bar—reminiscent of golf flags—the fixtures anchor key moments while maintaining warmth. Custom sconces and checkered ceiling lights in the lounges add rhythm and repetition, while a curated wall of illuminated retro golf photography nods to the heritage of the sport.
Subtle references to classic country club aesthetics are filtered through a contemporary lens, avoiding pastiche in favour of mood and memory. A small mezzanine tucked above the main floor adds another layer of activity, reserved for private events and offering a more secluded vantage point. Even circulation is carefully considered: existing concrete stairs leading from the entrance are reimagined with custom millwork that folds retail display into the journey upward.
Muni’s strength lies in its clarity of purpose. It’s not simply a place to play; it’s a place to gather. Through its layered material palette, intuitive spatial organisation and unexpected culinary offering, it challenges expectations of what an indoor golf club can be. By blending heritage and hospitality with technology and tactility, Muni positions itself not just as a destination within Montreal, but as a new reference point for the evolution of the sport.
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