Header: Alex Lesage
Located in the heart of Westmount, Montreal, the Wood Residence stands as a fresh take on a classic local layout. The design team at Vives St-Laurent, working alongside architect Philip Hazan, focused on keeping the original spirit of the house while updating it for a new owner. The project covers 2,800 square feet and relies on a mix of high-quality materials to give the traditional structure a clean, modern edge.
The grand entrance
The moment you walk through the front door, the floor grabs your attention with a bold checkerboard pattern. Using Alpi Verde and Bianco Carrara marble, this feature sets a high standard for the rest of the house. The entryway also pays tribute to the building’s facade. An oval window, which is a standout feature of the home’s exterior, became the blueprint for the custom hallway furniture. The team built a seating area and a tall storage unit that curves around the window, making the glass the main attraction of the foyer.
Living areas filled with natural light
Moving into the main living spaces, the layout stays true to the home’s history. The staircase remains in its original spot, and the rooms flow from the front living area to the kitchen at the back. In the living room, new built-in bookshelves sit on either side of the fireplace. These shelves draw the eye toward the original stone mantel, making it the heart of the room. Large bay windows allow sunlight to fill the space and provide a clear view of the mature tree in the front garden. To keep the atmosphere light, the designers chose simple furniture that doesn’t crowd the floor.
Mixing old and new
Because this renovation was planned with resale in mind, the material palette stays neutral but high-end. The old floors were ripped out and replaced with pale white oak, which instantly brightens the interior. One of the most detailed parts of the project is the staircase. The original bannister was in rough shape, so it was completely rebuilt. New mouldings were added to make it look like it had always been there, while a painted steel handrail was tucked into the stringer for a sharp, modern finish. This bit of metalwork shows the level of craftsmanship involved in the build.
Kitchen built for modern cooking
The kitchen sits at the rear of the house, looking out onto the terrace. While the location hasn’t changed, the look is entirely new. A dark anthracite French door was installed to create a crisp line against the lighter walls and provide easy access to the garden. Inside, a solid marble worktop adds a sense of luxury, and a new kitchen island makes the room much more practical for daily life. Tucked away nearby, a tiny powder room is hidden under the stairs. The door is disguised with mouldings to match the walls, while a heavy block-marble sink inside mirrors the stone used in the entrance.
Boutique hotel vibes in the master suite
The upper floor holds three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with the master suite acting as the main retreat. The designers wanted this area to feel like a high-end boutique hotel. They added a large ensuite bathroom behind two textured glass French doors. These doors let light move between the rooms while keeping the bathroom private. A long, wall-to-wall vanity with a thick stone top serves as the focal point, paired with a walk-in shower that reinforces the hotel-inspired theme.
The Wood Residence renovation shows how to update a historic property without stripping away its soul. The team behind the project worked together to create a home that feels fresh and established, resulting in a space that fits perfectly into its Westmount neighbourhood.
Project info
Firm: Vives St-Laurent
Architecture: Philip Hazan
Contractor: Modulor
Cabinetmaker: Loeven Morcel
Location: Westmount, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Year of completion: 2025
Photo credit: Alex Lesage
Source: v2com newswire
