In the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal, an industrial building has been converted into a modern photography studio by local firm Ivy Studio.
Formerly home to a window cleaning service, the 4,500-square-foot space spans two stories that blend functionality with charm. A large garage door on the main façade was replaced with four 10-foot high windows that flood Studio Idéal with natural light.
Inside, the main floor unfolds under soaring 21-foot ceilings. Here, a striking backdrop wall leads to an inviting lounge area and open kitchen. Embracing its industrial roots, the space features newly sealed concrete floors and masonry walls painted in a warm white.
The upstairs office space houses workstations, a kitchen, meeting room, and an additional washroom. Drawing from the whimsical style of Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the mezzanine is defined by warm camel-colored stucco walls, a playful style reminiscent of a child’s sandcastle.
“Working as much as possible with the existing architecture of the mezzanine, it ended up giving this almost sculptural essence, so we pushed that idea further,” says Philip Staszewski, partner architect at Ivy Studio. “The constraints we had were the existing stairs, as well as the limited intensity of colors we could use without affecting photoshoots. We embraced the existing stairs and maze-like architecture by putting forward the playful Bofill-esque design. It gives the feeling of children playing on a jungle gym—it’s something fun that represents the client’s playful side.”
At the heart of the design is the open kitchen, crafted of stainless steel millwork with a unique handmade matte finish. Cream-colored concrete slabs adorn the countertops and backsplash, while a “custom hood covered in brass stands out like a piece of jewelry,” Staszewski adds.
Above the central dining area and lounge, clusters of oversized light globes lightly sway from the HVAC circulation, creating an ethereal cloud-like effect. “It adds to the mood in the evening,” Staszewski notes. “Warm globes float around above you while you’re enjoying a meal with friends.”
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