Vives St-Laurent Renovates Historic Montreal Home with Pale Oak and Marble

Vives St-Laurent has completed a renovation of the Wood Residence in Montreal's Westmount neighborhood, transforming the historic home while preserving its architectural heritage. The project balances the building's original character with contemporary living needs through careful material selection and spatial planning. Key interventions include restoring original volumes, installing pale white oak flooring, and incorporating marble elements such as a checkerboard entry pattern using Alpi Verde and Bianco Carrara stone. The design creates fluid spaces where natural light connects architectural memory with modern functionality. Notable features include a sculptural paper lantern in the dining area, custom bookshelves framing the fireplace, a redesigned staircase combining modern steel with classic moldings, and a kitchen with a monolithic marble countertop. The primary suite offers a boutique hotel atmosphere with textured glass French doors in the ensuite bathroom. The renovation demonstrates a 'sensitive modernization' approach that respects the home's historic proportions while introducing a sophisticated, neutral aesthetic. This project aligns with broader trends in Montreal architecture, similar to other recent interventions like the De l'Épée Residence by Michael Godmer and the Lilac House by Assemblage Studio, which explore the tension between historic shells and minimalist interiors.