The Montpellier Residence, designed by Vives St-Laurent, is nestled in the charming setting of Saint-Bruno on the South Shore of Montreal. With its winding streets and mature trees, this architectural gem was built in the late 1960s by a local architect. Today, it proudly holds a place in the cultural heritage repertoire, celebrated as an iconic representation of Mid-Century aesthetics in Quebec.

Described by the Vives St-Laurent team as characteristic of North American bungalows, this modern residence stands out with its interplay of volumes and clean lines. Comprised of three separate single-story volumes, connected by a glass corridor, the house is completely clad in brick, and the interior is deliberately pared back allowing the expressive nature of the materials to take centre stage. 
The main challenge for the design team was to achieve a significant transformation while preserving the architectural aesthetic established by the original architect. While the initial brief focused on renovating the living areas including the vestibule, kitchen, dining room, lounges, and powder room, various interventions were also carried out to improve comfort, such as opening up the kitchen to provide a view of the courtyard and maximise natural light.

Wanting a space that would reflect their timeless and unique identity, the clients requested that the Vives St-Laurent team spend a few days in the house to better understand its atmosphere, lighting, and functionality. Beginn...