Restauration of a family home
Category I building, Westmount
The original house was designed in 1937 for J. B. Briand, ESQ. by architects Eliasoph & Greenspoon. We are lucky to have an original copy of their specifications which detail precisely the materials and methods used at the time.
After thirty years of neglect it was time to undertake a renovation. The mandate involved the restoration of ceilings, walls and plaster moldings and the restoration of red oak floors with walnut wood details.
As an architect I assisted the clients in finding specialists to carry out the work, received and analyzed submissions and supported them during the process of construction until the work was completed.
It was a labor of love – a sacrifice measured by time.
Detail of an art deco plaster molding
Removing peeling paint and plaster
Day 1
Freshly applied plaster, before being painted
Day 2 - 5
In the process we discovered a palette of colours from the 1930's
Removing the carpet, carpet underlay and staples
Day 14 - 16
A very matte finish to capture the tactility of the wood
Day 18 - 21
Sanding the floor revealed the true color of each species wood
An important choice - of colours - among the collection of whites.
A deliberation between a slightly warmer or slightly cooler palette for the walls, and a choice of a softer white for the ceilings, moldings and plinths, appropriate to the age of the house.