Le Petit Merlot Blends Heritage With Contemporary Design

As an expert vintner would transform humble grapes into extraordinary wine, _naturehumaine’s latest architectural work, Le Petit Merlot, converts a classic 1920s duplex into a contemporary haven. Nestled in the gastronomic heart of Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal, this thoughtful renovation embodies the same patient craftsmanship as its namesake – a careful fermentation of old and new, where historical elements are preserved and enhanced through time.

Modern kitchen with large windows, white cabinets, and a central island with a stool. Glass table in the foreground and view of a wooden fence outside.

Sited on a compact lot without an alley, the duplex adjoins two neighboring homes and aligns with the shared front street boundary. It includes two stacked units, accessible through a rear courtyard via a porte-cochère. Restricted to two floors, the design adds a mezzanine level, extending the space for the upper unit without exceeding height limits. Heritage features were restored for the front facade, with the original red clay brick, painted hemlock lintels, and stone spandrels retained for architectural authenticity. French windows with divided panes and restored wooden cornices reflect the area’s historical facades, contributing to a cohesive street presence.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a beige tiled backsplash, and a gray island countertop. A coffee machine is on the counter.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, an island with a sink, and a stool. Adjacent is a dining table with chairs. Large red-framed windows allow natural light to fill the space.

Inside, the lower 1,420-square-foot unit is designed to harmonize with the garden. A glass rear facade blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, opening the living area, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom to the landscape. Below, a sunken courtyard introduces light to the basement-level office and additional bedroom. The upper unit prioritizes southern natural light, with a mezzanine housing the kitchen and dining area, leading to a wooden terrace featuring steel planters. A central staircase, clad in white perforated steel, visually connects the levels.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, beige tile backsplash, and a stainless steel sink. A window provides natural light. A yellow pot with a potted plant sits on the countertop.

Modern dining area with a glass table, wooden chairs, a unique chandelier, and large red-framed windows overlooking a wooden fence and brick wall.

Wooden cabinet and chair beneath a staircase with a mesh screen. A small plant, books, and a clock sit atop the cabinet.

In contrast to the heritage front, the rear facade takes a modern approach. Large glass sections span four levels between brick walls, lending the interior a soft, ambient light. To enhance the basement unit’s light quality, floor-to-ceiling windows create a spacious feel in the bedroom and office. Interior finishes echo the exterior’s red tones in materials and paint, maintaining visual unity. This color scheme is evident in brick, window mullions, steel accents, and select indoor elements like the library and lighting fixtures.

Modern interior with wooden floors, white walls, and large frosted glass panel. A corridor leads to a room with a wooden chair and a large window providing natural light.

A modern interior features a wooden chair by a large window overlooking greenery. Fluted glass partition and wooden furniture are visible in the foreground.

A minimal workspace features a wooden desk, a modern lamp, and a closed laptop. A frosted glass panel and light wood paneling are visible in the background.

Sunlit room with a wooden floor and a red-framed window. A small wooden stool and a few books are on the floor nearby.

A bedroom with a wooden bed, white curtains, and an open door leading to a garden with plants.

Minimalist bathroom with a gray countertop, sink, and mirrored cabinets. Two windows with wooden frames let in natural light. Small potted plants are on the windowsills.