Header: Maxime Brouillet
What if the buildings we live in as we get older could actually change how we feel about ageing? In Beloeil, a new residence called Cloria is doing exactly that. Designed by the Montreal-based team at Taktik Design, these shared spaces move away from the clinical feel often found in retirement homes. Instead, the layout focuses on independence and the simple joy of spending time with others.
Since 2018, Taktik has worked to create the “heart” of these residences. Their goal is to make the common areas feel like an extension of a person’s private home, supporting a lifestyle where retirement is about staying active and connected rather than slowing down.
A modern look for a new chapter
The first thing visitors notice at Cloria Beloeil is that it looks nothing like a traditional care home. Interior designer and project manager Alexa Adam explains that the team wanted to move away from the usual style of such places. “The success of the project lies precisely in the fact that it doesn’t feel like entering a retirement residence,” she says. While the furniture is built to be easy to use, avoiding chairs that are too low to get out of, the look is contemporary and fresh.
The entrance sets the tone with a gold zinc logo and a bright waiting area. The materials used throughout are simple and sturdy: concrete, metal, and pale wood. These are paired with soft fabrics and warm colours to make the large spaces feel welcoming.
The social hub and star-shaped layout
At the centre of the residence is a circular hub filled with plants. A custom-made planter acts as a focal point where people naturally gather. From this middle spot, hallways branch out in a star shape. This makes it very easy for residents to find their way around and increases the chances of bumping into a neighbour for a quick chat or joining in on a game.
This layout is key to the way life works at Cloria. Nicola Tardif-Bourdages, the founder of Taktik Design, notes that people today want to stay busy.
“In retirement, people want to enjoy life, stay active, and keep moving—and the space reflects these aspirations: living in an environment that supports activity, autonomy, and sociability.”
Nicola Tardif-Bourdages
Unlike many residences, there is no set schedule of events. Instead, the residents decide what they want to do and when they want to do it.
Games, cooking, and quiet corners
The shared rooms are built for these spontaneous moments. In the billiard room, residents play friendly matches under soft lighting that keeps the mood relaxed. A large library wall encourages people to swap books, while fluted glass walls let light through without making them feel on display.
The kitchen is another busy spot. With its sage green cupboards and a large stainless steel island, it is built for group cooking. Residents often host their own guests here or prep meals together. A wooden screen and a sliding curtain allow the room to be closed off for a private dinner or kept open to the rest of the floor. Nearby, a dining nook with bistro tables and a large mirror creates a bright spot for a morning coffee.
For those looking for peace, the lounge is the go-to place. It features a gas fireplace surrounded by curved sofas and armchairs. The colours here are inspired by nature, greens and earthy tones, making it a perfect spot for reading or a quiet talk.
Spaces for work and play
The design is rounded off with two specific rooms for different needs. One is tucked away for board games, while the other is a meeting room. This second space is fully kitted out for video calls and presentations, recognising that many modern retirees still sit on boards, volunteer, or keep up with professional interests.
Cloria Beloeil proves that senior living can be stylish, energetic, and deeply personal. A palette of high-quality materials and a layout that focuses on movement make this a place that respects the privacy of the individual while making community life easy and natural. It is a space that encourages people to keep exploring and enjoying their daily lives.
Project info
Official project name: Cloria Beloeil
Location: Beloeil
Project completion date: Fall 2024
Area: 5,020 sq. ft.
Project managers: Alexa Adam, Zoé B. de Passillé
Collaborators: Nicola Tardif-Bourdages
Taktik furniture installers: Sébastien Leclerc and Jean-Luc Simard
Contractor: Drumco Construction
Photographer: Maxime Brouillet
Source: v2com newswire
