Architect：IVYSTUDIO

Location：Mount Royal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Category：Offices

MP VMR is an office renovation located at the ground floor of a multi-residential condominium building in the town of Mount-Royal. Originally a local SAQ store, the space offered many challenges in its footprint within the general floor plan. The numerous angles, cut-outs and central structural columns made it difficult to integrate seven private offices seamlessly. With only one glazed façade, it was important to prioritize the spaces receiving natural light.

© Alex Lesage

In order to simplify the layout, the closed offices are aligned on each side of the space, creating a central corridor that follows the rooms existing deviation. Generous curves are added to the front walls to make the circulation more inviting and to soften the existing angles.

© Alex Lesage

When entering from the street, you are welcomed by a reception counter, open space desks, as well as a velvet banquette for informal dining and meetings. At the front, there are three of the offices and a generously glazed conference room, each letting in the natural light passing through the open reception area. At the back are located the secondary functions such as washrooms, kitchen and storage.

© Alex Lesage

The intention for the beige and black color palette was to give the mortgage brokerage a warm and sophisticated environment. At the entrance, a monolithic Nero Marquina marble counter greets visitors coming in. A dark, glossy, marble-like epoxy coats the floor, reflecting the natural light further into the space. In contrast, the walls are covered in a matte handmade cream plaster, adding warmth and depth to the large curved volumes that contain the offices.