Project Name: Maison Earnscliffe
Project Type: Semi-Detached Single-Family Home Renovation
Location: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Montreal
Area: 1,500 sq ft per floor
Renovation Completion: 2023
Photographer: Studio CRBN
Structural Engineer: Alexandre Mercier Linteau
General Contractor: Des outils et des Hommes rénovations Inc.
Award:
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th Edition
Discipline: Interior Design
Categories: Kitchen: Bronze Certification
Categories: Interior + Staircase: Gold Certification
publications:
Maison Earnscliffe is located in the heart of the NDG neighborhood. This project consists of a complete renovation and conversion of a duplex into a single-family home. This house offers bright, soothing and comfortable open spaces where beauty inspires and encourages harmonious family relationships. The project was also designed to accommodate a family of two children and a grandparent. Taking advantage of the two-level plan, typical of single-family residential architecture, this family wanted to cohabit home offices and multi-generational family life. On the ground floor, the communal living areas are centered around a huge, functional kitchen that opens to the dining room and family room. A telecommuting space is also provided to facilitate work-family balance. Upstairs, there are two bathrooms, and the four bedrooms swing around a double-height opening open to the staircase.
The latter being both sturdy and refined, adds a cross between functionality and storage. This large, wall-hung wood staircase features walnut storage delineating the reception area from the main entrance and the family room. The drawers are an integral part of the staircase, allowing for a dual function to allow for the movement of everyday life in a well-organized manner. The straight-lined wood steps in chocolate colors add warm tones to this open area. The staircase is supported by a wall-mounted metal structure camouflaged in the wall under an angled glass wall to allow natural light to pass through. The anchoring system of the rhythmic steps allows for overhanging volumes with an airy visual simplicity. The glazed railing provides translucent security and is equipped with a warmly crowned wood handrail. This staircase features the same wood cladding at the junction of the risers and the entrance frame for a neat and harmonious design. Symbolizing the articulation between the first and second floor spaces, this staircase allows for the action of daily life, the movement of the inhabitants and the junction of private and public spaces. This same wooden articulation symbolizes both the path through which life manifests itself and passes. In order to combine the two floors into a whole, a double height overlooking a hall on the second floor allows for open areas bathed in natural light that gives this house an unparalleled spatial quality.