Nestled within the historic harbor of Old Montreal, ‘Maison Sédimentation’ is Studio Fei’s ambitious endeavor to rejuvenate a heritage townhouse, all while maintaining its authentic essence. By ingeniously intertwining modern design elements with the existing historical texture, Studio Fei’s design manifests as a compelling space, honoring the echoes of the past while actively engaging with the present.
Maison Sédimentation Technical Information
- Architects: Studio Fei
- Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Topics: Renovations
- Area: 3,000 m2
- Project Year: 2023
- Images: © Studio Fei
Through incremental restoration, ‘Maison Sédimentation’ transcends the dichotomy between the old and the new.
– Studio Fei Architects
Maison Sédimentation Photographs
Maison Sédimentation by Studio Fei
Originally built around 1770 upon the foundations of a much older structure dating back to 1692, the townhouse boasts distinctive features such as a sloped roof designed to prevent snow buildup and raised end walls that act as firebreaks. Constructed with Montréal graystone, the building, now under the ownership of a local art foundation, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation into a contemporary gallery and cultural center. The envisioned space will serve as an exhibition venue, hosting a diverse range of art and cultural events.
Similar to the historical city of Montreal, the townhouse itself can be considered a sedimentary entity, infused with layers of construction, demolition, and partial recycling of physical boundaries and foundations. This complex history has given rise to intricate spatial configurations and varying elevations within the building. In light of this, a careful strategy is required to strike a balance between preservation and meeting the functional requirements of an exhibition space.
The project seeks to create a palimpsest of physical building layers that can harmoniously accommodate the program of a contemporary art museum while preserving the authenticity of the original structure. The existing building serves as a foundation, both in terms of materiality and spatial organization. The topography and spatial arrangement have been meticulously preserved, acknowledging their significance as unique characteristics of the old building.
The objective is to construct a seamless integration of temporal experiences through three distinct but complementary approaches: integrated restoration, restoration with a deliberate expression of new elements, and new construction. Instead of simply adding spaces to accommodate contemporary art, the project aims to curate immersive sensory experiences.
Through incremental restoration, “Maison Sédimentation” transcends the dichotomy between the old and the new. Visitors will embark on a transformative journey, transitioning from somber and enigmatic spaces to a neutral backdrop, from classical ornamentation to intriguing textures, and from remnants of the past to an elevated reality.
Maison Sédimentation Plans
Maison Sédimentation Image Gallery
About Studio Fei
Studio Fei, an architectural firm based in New York City, was founded in 2020 by architect Yang Fei, who holds the philosophy that architecture is not just a physical structure but a vessel of spirituality, creating a profound connection with its users. Yang Fei’s belief in the dual nature of artwork, which transcends the physical to evoke deep thoughts, ideas, memories, connections, and emotions, shapes the core of Studio Fei’s projects. These projects aim to go beyond physical boundaries to create spaces that resonate with individuals and leave a lasting impact. After completing his B. Arch. degree at SWJTU and furthering his studies at Harvard University, Yang Fei has practiced architecture in New York, Shanghai, and Beijing, bringing a diverse and global perspective to his firm.
