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Interdisciplinary design-build Mark+Vivi studio’s 1880’s building supports a whimsical integration of traditional industrial materials with clever and efficient design in its renovated avatar… Located in the transitioning neighbourhood of Pointe-Saint-Charles, Quebec, the newly renovated 1,100 square foot row house called ‘The Grand Trunk’ currently serves as residence and design studio for designers Mark Fekete and Viviana de Loera. Sustainability continues to guide their design efforts, where demolished framing and floor boards find new life as rugged yet tasteful furniture, cabinets, and counter tops in the new home. Floors, shelving, and kitchen cabinetry are built using locally sourced Canadian plywood and along with the walls, are finished in low VOC treatments. Steel columns and beams are added to support the existing timber frame structure and left exposed and painted white; the new "bones" not only lift but gracefully compliment the old. Pleasantly unexpected antique finds during demolition have helped influence the design process of various spaces throughout: old toys, antique tools, and vintage enamel signs now play an integral part in the home's decor. “We wanted to create a home that captured the essence and character of a classical 19th century Canadian row-house infused with contemporary touches of playfulness and style,” say the designers. The home utilizes natural light extensively. Also, the building's compact size means that small amounts of energy are required to heat or cool the interior. Consequently, all existing doors and windows are replaced with double glazed low-E units. Besides, electric base board and convection heaters are used at both levels. Cooling is provided via two energy efficient (12,000 btu) interior wall-mounted inverter ducted units. A skylight added on the second floor above the stairs, and mineral wool insulation installed throughout the house augments the passive energy design. Click here to view the images on indiaartndesign.com
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Residential Architecture, Culture, Furniture, Graphic Design, Kitchen + Bathroom, Lifestyle, Photography, Residential Interior Design, Sustainable Dev,
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