Wood Residence by Vives St-Laurent
Wood Residence by Vives St-Laurent is a thoughtful renovation that restores and elevates the defining features of a traditional Westmount home.
The project preserves the existing structure, including the original placement of the staircase and the arrangement of the main living areas, while introducing carefully considered updates that bring clarity and cohesion to the interior.
Upon entering, a checkerboard floor composed of Alpi Verde and Bianco Carrara marble establishes a refined interplay between classic detailing and contemporary sensibility. The home’s oval window, an iconic feature of the facade, informed the custom entry furniture. A built-in seating element and a vertical storage unit echo its geometry, drawing attention to the window’s presence and reinforcing the architectural identity of the house.
The living and dining rooms maintain their original positions, allowing the traditional layout to guide the renovation. In the living room, new built-in bookshelves frame the fireplace and highlight its natural stone mantel. A large bay window, characteristic of homes in the neighborhood, fills the room with natural light and frames views of the mature tree in the front yard. Furnishings are kept simple and discreet, ensuring that the architectural details and generous proportions remain the focus.
Throughout the main floor, the original flooring has been replaced with pale white oak. The soft tone brightens the interior and introduces a subtle contemporary layer that complements the preserved moldings. This balance between heritage and modern intervention continues in the treatment of the staircase. The existing banister, previously in poor condition, has been redesigned with added moldings that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. A painted steel handrail, recessed into the stringer, adds a precise and understated detail.
At the rear of the house, the kitchen remains in its original location. An anthracite French door creates a strong visual contrast while connecting the interior to the outdoor terrace. Marble countertops bring a sense of permanence, and the addition of a central island enhances everyday functionality. The composition supports contemporary living while respecting the established framework of the home.
Beneath the staircase, a compact powder room has been discreetly integrated. Its hidden door aligns with the existing moldings, allowing it to blend into the walls. Inside, a marble sink carved from a solid block serves as a sculptural focal point and subtly references the marble flooring in the entry.
Upstairs, the residence includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The primary bedroom stands out with the addition of a generous ensuite. Two French doors with textured glass introduce privacy while allowing light to filter through. A wall-to-wall vanity with a thicker countertop lends weight and presence, while the walk-in shower draws inspiration from boutique hospitality settings, creating a refined and comfortable retreat.
By carefully preserving key architectural elements and introducing precise contemporary interventions, Wood Residence maintains the character typical of its Westmount context. Moldings have been redesigned and added where necessary to ensure continuity, and each modification integrates seamlessly into the existing framework, reinforcing a coherent and enduring interior vision.
