Montpellier House: Light, Texture and a Sense of Belonging

Nestled at the foot of Mount Saint-Bruno in Montérégie, on Montreal’s South Shore, the Montpellier residence quietly immerses itself in its rich, forested surroundings. Conceived as a space for refuge and contemplation, the home appears to slip into the landscape, its profile gently leaning into the slope of the mountain behind it. Surrounded by a dense canopy, the house becomes part of the natural environment rather than an imposition on it.

A collaboration between Montreal-based design studio Vives St-Laurent and ATA Architecture, the project spans three levels, including a partially buried garden level that subtly follows the land’s natural contours. This sensitive approach sets it apart from the more traditional 1960s homes in the area, allowing the residence to feel integrated and unobtrusive. Working within a pre-defined volumetric structure—shaped through early conversations between the clients and architects—the design team focused their efforts on establishing fluid circulation, generous openings, and an abundance of natural light throughout the interior.

At the heart of the plan lies an interior courtyard, while a fully glazed rear façade opens onto the surrounding forest. From the entrance, a linear vestibule leads to a slightly sunken living room, carved directly into the slab. Here, a fireplace anchors the space beneath a double-height ceiling, where a long vertical curtain further accentuates the room’s dramatic scale.

To the left are more private areas: a boudoir, office, workout room, and access to the basement. To the right, the living spaces: kitchen, dining room, and stairs leading upstairs. Intuitively arranged, the spaces provide a sense of openness, supporting the home’s calm and natural rhythm.

The material palette is subtle and nuanced, reflecting the occupants’ lifestyle—elegant, refined, and warm. In the vestibule, ceramic flooring in varied slate-inspired tones is laid in an opus incertum pattern. The architectural language, sober and geometric, is softened by subtle interventions—grounded lines on the fireplace mantle, and curves integrated into the furniture and walls.

The living room is defined by a linear volume clad in terracotta ceramic sourced from California, which highlights the fireplace—a favourite element of the client. Overhead, a Tekio pendant light made from washi paper casts a soft glow throughout the double-height space.

Natural white oak and dark-stained oak are used throughout, creating a rich but cohesive contrast. The dark wood dining room table is in dialogue with the lighter oak floor, while recurring curves tie the space into the broader design language.

The kitchen strikes a balance between sculptural presence and functional design. A central volume houses a hidden pantry and integrated bench, marking a natural transition to the dining space. The island, made from veined natural stone, becomes a dramatic focal point anchoring the room. Sliding doors conceal appliances and a coffee station, preserving the purity of the overall form. Large glass doors open onto a covered terrace, extending the kitchen outdoors and reinforcing the home’s relationship to its surroundings.

Throughout, vertical elements contribute to a serene atmosphere. White oak is used on floor-to-ceiling shelving in the boudoir and tall storage units, reinforcing a sense of height and calm continuity. Materials were selected not only for their visual harmony, but also to support a grounded, tactile experience.

The upper level is reached via a simple double-flight staircase, leading to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The spacious, secluded master suite includes two distinct walk-in closets and a bathroom that is both elegant and practical—designed to elevate the everyday.

The Montpellier residence is the result of a thoughtful and collaborative process between client, architect, and designer. Rooted deeply in its site and surroundings, the project is a quiet study in restraint and refinement—contemporary architecture shaped by nature, attuned to the rhythm of light, texture, and lived experience.

Credits

Firm: Vives St-Laurent

Contractor: Ouellette Habitations

Cabinetmaker: Ébénisterie Notre-Dame

Photography: Alex Lesage

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Aesop Las Salesas: A Dialogue in Heritage, Materiality and Light

In Madrid’s historic Las Salesas district, just steps from the architectural landmark Palacio Longoria, Aesop has unveiled a thoughtfully designed space that redefines retail as a place of quiet discovery and connection. Designed by long-time collaborators Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari, the project marks the team's second Aesop store in the city—offering a distinct interpretation of the brand while remaining rooted in the local architectural language.

The design draws heavily on Spanish Modernism, most notably through the use of Trencadís, a traditional mosaic technique reimagined in a sculptural, contemporary form. Once used to decorate irregular surfaces, it now defines sweeping architectural elements within the store, transforming fragments of ceramic into a unified, textured landscape that speaks to both craft and innovation.

The material palette plays a central role in shaping the store’s sensory appeal. The interplay of light and shadow—made possible through hammered Catedral glass—creates shifting atmospheres throughout the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Sleek, freestanding sinks crafted from Spanish Silvestre Granito with bases of transparent glass and Alpi Walnut Burl wood appear to float within the space, enhancing the store's light-filled ambiance.

Walls rendered in fine-grain clay plaster, and with rich wood veneer, create a balanced tension between openness and intimacy. The store’s transparent, floating portico acts as a visual anchor—simultaneously threshold and focal point—inviting exploration and offering glimpses into the behind-the-scenes rituals that define Aesop’s customer experience. The layout supports fluid movement and ease of navigation, fostering a sense of openness that enhances both accessibility and engagement, while framed product displays and seating areas encourage moments of quiet interaction.

Aesop Las Salesas stands as a thoughtful response to its context—one that honours Madrid’s cultural identity while embracing a forward-looking design ethos. By merging heritage techniques with a modern, human-centred approach, the store becomes more than just a point of sale: it is a space of connection, discovery, and enduring craft.

Credits

Architects: Ciszak Dalmas / Matteo Ferrari

Photography: Salva López

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New and Noted

While the TDC Blog has been quiet since the latter part of 2024, as I’ve been fully immersed in styling, design, and writing projects, January, as always, brings an exciting array of design news—and I can’t let the month slip away without sharing some inspiring new projects and products that have landed in my inbox.

&Tradition Opens a New Showroom in Villeneuve-lès-Avignons, France

Located in Villeneuve-lès-Avignons, in the southern region of France, the new &Tradition showroom is located within a former papal residence dating back to the 16th century. Embracing the history and heritage of the building, whose architectural characteristics reflect those seen throughout the medieval town that surrounds it, &Tradition have taken care to preserve and restore original features, establishing a considered setting in which to showcase their timeless collection.

Providing a comprehensive overview of &Tradition designs from a variety of international creatives, both contemporary and classic, the space offers a curated experience of &Tradition's collection of furniture, lighting and accessories. With an emphasis on classic designs and outdoor furniture, the collection on display has also been selected for its relevance to the local market.

&Tradition Avignon showroom

14 Place de l'Oratoire, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France

Coco Flip Launches new Lighting Collection, Dancer 

Dancer is a new collection of lighting designed by Coco Flip in collaboration with Melbourne-based ceramicist Belinda Wiltshire. Belinda’s refined artistry and bold use of black iron oxide led the design process towards a collection of striking and distinct pieces including table lamps, wall lights and ceiling mounts.

Dancer takes inspiration from the Rriadisches Ballet developed by Oskar Schlemmer, who was part of the Bauhaus design movement in 1920s Germany. The ballet used fantastical costumes and strong geometry to transform the dancers and emphasise their movements. Each dancer piece aims to echo a sense of movement through form and pattern, bringing a strong and character-filled aesthetic to an otherwise minimalist light.

Belinda works from her pottery studio in Preston where each piece is wheel-thrown, hand-finished and fired. Dancer is crafted using mid-fire clay and brushed with black iron oxide, providing a striking contrast against the warm brown clay. Each lamp is offered in three striped finishes—wide, thin, and spaced. Table lamps are available in any combination of these finishes.

Images 1-4: Styling by Jess Lilico / Photography by Tom Ross

Image 5: Styling by Marsha Golemac / Photography by Pier Carthew

Ground Collection by Norm Architects and Massimo Copenhagen

Inspired by the textures and colours found in the natural world, the new Ground collection by Norm Architects and Massimo Copenhagen seeks to evoke a profound sense of home and belonging—serving as a tribute to simplicity and tranquility, seamlessly merging understated beauty with exceptional craftsmanship. Drawing from these earthy tones and subtle hues reminiscent of diverse landscapes, the collection transforms interiors into inviting and harmonious sanctuaries, and with a focus on tactile comfort and enduring quality, the rugs are designed to anchor spaces in calmness and warmth, creating a sensory experience that resonates on every level.

The humble rug is designed to feel at home wherever it is placed. It doesn't demand attention but rather sits comfortably within the space, serving as a foundational element that ties everything together. Ultimately, the aim of the collection is to offer a design element that not only enhances the visual appeal of a room but also contributes to a sense of balance and harmony within the interior environment, where the presence of nature is palpable and fosters a deeper sense of connection and well-being.

Photography by Irina Boersma

Dinesen Country Home Has Been Reimagined By Copenhagen Design Duo Mentze Ottenstein

Dinesen, Denmark’s foremost manufacturer of high-end wooden flooring, and five-generation family company, has crafted high-quality wood solutions since 1896. Their former family house, Dinesen Country Home, is located near the company's manufacturing facilities in Jels, Denmark, and has been an integral part of the Dinesen legacy since 2004 when the family acquired the estate. Recently, the residence underwent a thoughtful renovation by Copenhagen-based architecture and design studio Mentze Ottenstein, signalling a new chapter in the history of the estate and its role in the company.

Built in 1885, the residence is a traditional southern Jutland longhouse with a thatched roof, nestled amid lush green forestry, meadows, and lakes. As a place steeped in the Dinesen family’s history, the home is a living testament to the values and craftsmanship that define the company and the family behind it. While the original framework carried out by Overby was still sound, Mentze Ottenstein reviewed all surfaces and material compositions, introducing a fresh take on colour and working thoroughly with detailing to create a more harmonious experience. The Garde Hvalsøe kitchen features handcrafted cabinets have been painted an eye-catching shade of green as a nod to its countryside location. Elsewhere, a series of hand-turned ceramic bowls from Georgia sit comfortably alongside new walnut and pear kitchen handles. Further colour can be seen in the aisles and small chambers on the first floor, painted in golden ochre, creating a warm and intimate experience.

Fittingly, wood still takes centre stage as the central material palette within the house. The architectural Pawson Furniture Collection by John Pawson for Dinesen in Douglas fir, released earlier this year, sits elegantly next to antique furniture and a series of bespoke new furniture pieces designed by Mentze Ottenstein. These pieces have been made of ash with an oil finish resembling amber and a grain pattern reminiscent of black elm. In addition, deeper-toned wood selections such as walnut and pear are represented, for instance, in frames by Cassetta, which offers a flattering contrast to the light Douglas floors.

The house is designed to evoke a sense of home rather than a showroom while showcasing the stories of numerous exciting collaborations throughout the years. Primarily reserved for Dinesen's friends, design clients and relations to enjoy its breathtaking surroundings and inviting interiors, the house may also later be available for public booking on select dates.

Photography by Monica Grue Steffensen

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