Dezeen Magazine

Naturehumaine includes gym hoops and apparatus inside a home for two athletes

A pair of gymnast's rings dangle from the ceiling of this Montreal home, which has been renovated by local architects Naturehumaine to create a new living space for the client's athletic children (+ slideshow)

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

Naturehumaine was asked to refurbish the two upper floors of the family house on Côte-des-Neiges Road in Montreal.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

The architects removed the floor separating the two levels to create a double-height space within which two large plywood boxes are suspended – giving the project the name In Suspension.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

"The client wanted to transform the last two levels of a building to create living spaces for her two athletically inclined children, who are now grown adults," explained the architects.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

"The primary goal was to create a shared living space in which all utilitarian functions are shared but which still allows each person to have privacy," they added.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

Each of the plywood boxes contains a bedroom and en-suite bathroom – one for each occupant.

The communal space below contains an open-plan living area that is zoned by changes in ceiling height.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

Gaps between the two boxes create three pockets of double-height space. An office and dining area occupy the tall spaces positioned against the facades at either end, while the centre is used for exercise. A pull-up bar is mounted on one wall and a set of gymnast's hoops are suspended from the ceiling.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

A black metal walkway spans this central area to provide a link between the two boxes. At ground level, a black-painted unit containing a shower room, storage and a staircase connects the space horizontally.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

An island with white-painted sides and a metal surface demarcates a kitchen below one box, while bookshelves built into the wall beneath the second create a library area.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine

Photography is by Adrien Williams.

In Suspension by Naturehumaine
Lower floor plan – click for larger image
In Suspension by Naturehumaine
Upper floor plan – click for larger image
In Suspension by Naturehumaine
Section – click for larger image