Issue #2 • April 16, 2017

designReview•international

Combining the elegance of traditional paper lanterns with the convenience of Bluetooth technology is the new Orilamp, a striking battery-powered mood light designed in Toronto. As the name indicates, it's inspired by origami and is foldable and shapeable, reminding us of an accordion or a slinky toy. Users can adjust brightness, set a timer and monitor battery life via the app, but physically opening and closing the lamp itself also turns it on and off. When not in use, the lamp folds into a compact square that could be mistaken for a thick coaster, while the wood finishes appeal with a natural look.

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CARGO ARCHITECTURE : :
CHARLES-BERNARD GAGNON
ARCHITECT, PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER, OAQ – OAIF – MIRAC
Charles-Bernard is a member of the Ordre des architecture du Québec and the Paris Architectural Order. He has 20 years of experience in the design and construction of projects of all kinds on two continents. As the founder of his own office in Québec City, he directs this dynamic working space with a team of talented people with complementary skills that lead to the creation of spaces and buildings for commercial and residential purposes. Charles-Bernard’s focus is on humanist and functional with an intention of providing occupants with environmentally-friendly, quality-design and well thought out spaces to live, work and play.

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PARIS APARTMENT NAILS THE DARK AND SOPHISTICATED LOOK

Ukrainian designers Irina Dzhemesyuk and Vitaly Yurov collaborated to create this two-storey apartment in Paris. Much of the historical building’s unique character is retained, but refreshed with modern, stylish and bold twists that bring it into the 21st century.

The foundation of the design is the dark colour palette. It’s a choice many designers steer clear of, but here it becomes the perfect backdrop for brass metal accents and marble tabletops. Every corner of the Paris apartment is defined by daring choices: black gloss, dark glass, oak parquet, colossal art, floor lamps, striking chandeliers.

On their own, each element could be a statement piece in a different home. Together they should be overwhelming, but thanks to the meticulous work of the designers, they combine to create a harmonious and functional environment. The end result is a space that is undeniably bold, but simultaneously elegant, comfortable and sophisticated.

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á la montréalaise : :
Once a residence for the stable hands responsible for the horses and carriages of a grander home in Montreal, this structure now serves as a modern, minimal family home.
After plans to completely redesign the edifice and interior of this this late-19th-century building were thwarted by city preservation regulations, architect Maxime Moreau was forced to come up with a creative solution. Instead of sacrificing the facade as his clients had requested, Moreau rebuilt the original 1890s wood siding, molding, cornices, and window frames, but proposed painting the entire exterior black. The bold, monochromatic hue served as a nod to avant-garde architecture and satisfied his clients’ wish for an adventurous, contemporary home.

Inside, a flexible open-plan with minimal furniture continues the modern aesthetic. The couple, both art and design enthusiasts, opted to demolish everything inside the existing structure, opening the living space and extending it into an exterior garden terrace that sits on the same level. With what little furniture they have fitted with wheels, the couple can move seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.

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