Cardigan Office by IVYSTUDIO: A Modern Workspace Crafted Within a Historic Montreal Building

Nestled in the vibrant Rosemont neighborhood of Montreal, the Cardigan Office by IVYSTUDIO seamlessly merges modern workspace design with rich architectural heritage. Housed in a restored two-story stone building originally constructed in 1907 as a bank, and later used for religious purposes, this project exemplifies adaptive reuse in urban architecture.

A Historic Shell for a Creative Agency

Cardigan, a forward-thinking digital advertising agency established in 2016, sought a dynamic and expansive office to support its growing 25-member team. The chosen site—a 1250-square-foot ground floor paired with a basement and an upper residential unit—offered a unique combination of history and adaptability. Its former life left behind high ceilings, bold architectural detailing, and ample space, making it ideal for a creative reimagining.

Design That Honors the Past, Supports the Present

The project’s central challenge lay in reconciling drastically different spatial conditions between the airy ground floor and the low-ceilinged, windowless basement. IVYSTUDIO approached this by dedicating the naturally lit ground level to workstations, while strategically allocating the basement for support functions such as a kitchen, bathrooms, lounge, and storage.

A Contemporary Mezzanine That Respects Context

To increase workspace capacity without disrupting the integrity of the original architecture, IVYSTUDIO introduced a steel mesh mezzanine. Positioned thoughtfully to preserve the tall arched windows, this new level provides private work areas above and flexible meeting rooms below. The light steel mesh structure allows natural light to permeate, maintaining an open, breathable atmosphere. Reopened original window arches and a new natural oak floor reinforce the building’s timeless charm.

Basement with a Bold Twist

Contrasting with the soft elegance of the upper floor, the basement unveils a futuristic, color-driven environment. IVYSTUDIO embraced its lack of daylight and low ceiling height by creating an immersive, expressive atmosphere: bold baby blues define the kitchen zone, while vibrant orange rooms add warmth and contrast. Monochromatic palettes, reflective finishes, high-gloss laminates, and stainless steel add brightness and spatial depth in this playful subterranean world.

Connecting the Dual Worlds

Two staircases—one historic, one contemporary—bridge the spaces. A traditional wooden stair offers continuity with the building’s past, while a new navy-blue minimal stair introduces a playful, modern contrast. Both staircases, painted the same deep hue, reflect the dual identity of Cardigan itself: refined yet spirited, professional yet approachable.

A Creative Studio Rooted in Personality

The Cardigan Office is a brilliant example of architectural storytelling—capturing the essence of its creative tenants while embracing the character of a century-old structure. The project balances history with innovation, form with function, and elegance with playfulness.

All the photographs are works of Alex Lesage