An historic factory in Montreal transformed
It’s not often that I feature restaurant interiors on Design Hunter, but this recently converted former train-manufacturing factory in the Rosemont borough of Montreal really caught my eye. Designed for Hoogan et Beaufort, by local young practice APPAREIL, the former industrial space has been transformed into a popular 70 seat destination with a utility and warmth that will appeal to lovers of Nordic inspired contemporary design.
The restaurant’s owners, chef Marc-André Jetté and sommelier William Saulnier wanted a space that reflected their vision of a balance between modernity and tradition, and since opening their doors in December 2015, it has been receiving accolades for both its design and its innovative cuisine prepared on embers from the custom-built fire pit.
The style is simple, but unpretentious and I really like the use of colour and materials that help make the space feel welcoming, clean and fresh. Natural timber surfaces are combined with raw brickwork and concrete, along with timber and steel cladding to create a link between the space’s current purpose and its former industrial origins.
As part of its integrated approach, APPEREIL also worked closely with restauranteer-designer Alexander Baldwin and local craftsmen to design furniture and lighting that would add a retro-chic touch to the interior. I particularly like the quirky chairs that have a feel of classic bentwood Thonet mixed with 1950’s diner about them.
Architect Kim Pariseau added that “by creating the right combination between the building’s industrial features, custom-made furnishings and refurbished elements, we aimed to have a stylish but unpretentious space where people would want to linger, feel at home and enjoy the chef’s universe.”
To my mind it’s a well considered combination that’s hard to argue with.
Images courtesy of APPAREIL. More information about APPAREIL’s work for Hoogan et Beaufort can be found here
