M
N
K P14
P13
P12
L
P15
03
P6
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P5
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I P9
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P3 P2
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B,D,I,M BATHROOM C PANTRY E EVERYTHING ROOM F KITCHEN G,J,K,N BEDROOM
third level. But even in these more traditional spaces, Verville emphasizes flexibility. “There is no specific function for a space,” he states. “The clients can move uses, like using a room as a bedroom, but then another time as an office, another time as a play area or guest quarters.” If playful is such a core design principle, why then are all surfaces a monochromatic grey? Elsewhere, Verville has stated, “the great calm of monochrome greige and the changing and dancing light offer as much visual spectacle as inspiring spaces for theatrical rehearsal, and even soon the possibility of performance before a small audience.” But, he tells me, “colours are not important to me, I accept colour or material from the client.” Consideration was given to white, bright colours and even gold. But it was important that the colour be monochromatic to unify the space and not cause the exposed steel structure to define the space. White was rejected as creating too much drama, too much luminosity with dark shadows playing off white. Grey better supported the eventual addition of multicolour elements. CANADIAN INTERIORS 5/6 2021
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H ENTYRY L WALK-IN M ROOM N ROOM P PAUSE
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5M
Above The house’s open shaft terminates as a two-level stage atop a kitchen pantry whose roof does not reach the second level. From these two “pauses,” stairs descend to the kitchen level. In the plans for the three-level house, retained rooms are indicated in black while white areas indicate the many “pauses” or stages that spiral around and through the core steel structure. Grey areas are the two perforated steel floors beneath the skylight.
The clients have begun experimenting, already adding plants for a green effect. They are also working with artists imagining the house as a canvas for murals and are on the lookout for very colourful objects to incorporate into the spaces.
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Shakespeare’s moribund anti-hero Macbeth whines near the end of the play, “life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.” Evidently Cadieux and Soleymanlou disagree. Across MSO:Play/Pause’s stages they intend to generate many life affirming moments.
2021-05-26 11:23 AM