Nestled on the western edge of Montreal’s core, Notre-Dame de Grâce (NDG) is a historic Montreal district celebrated for its tree-lined streets, brick row houses, and lively community vibe. In the Northcliffe renovation, a century-old row home gets a new chapter—one that stays true to its early 20th-century spirit while welcoming modern family life.
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Genoa
Notre-Dame de Grâce: Where heritage meets innovation, Mar. 2025
Architect Alexandre Bernier and the Modulor team (serving as General Contractor) tackled the challenge by blending time-honored elements —like exposed brick and a feature fireplace —with renewed openness and light. Strategic “architectural objects” (the staircase, audio-video unit, and kitchen/bath block) softly divide the floor plan, recalling the row-house roots but ensuring a breezy flow for modern-day living.
“We wanted a warm and friendly ambiance that respects the home’s history,” explains Bernier, whose Grand Prix du Design accolades speak to the success of this thoughtful renovation.
At the heart of this transformation is CRAFT’s Genoa White Oak selected for its light, natural tones and versatile, urban-natural vibe. Part of our Contempa Collection, Genoa offers a casual sophistication. In particular, it was chosen for its subtle grain pattern and refined character—just enough knots to show its genuine oak, yet plenty of clear space for a uniform look.
Installers’ Praise: Replacing the original floors with CRAFT’s solid-sawn, tongue-and-groove plank structure simplified the installation process. Installers often commend the precision fit of CRAFT floors —reflecting both our artisanal approach and DACS III, our innovative, hand-assembled core.
Green at Heart: Like all CRAFT floors, Genoa is PEFC-certified, Red List Free, and GREENGUARD Gold for low VOC emissions, reflecting CRAFT’s focus on healthy homes and sustainably sourced materials.
Modulor Team: “In a house with this much history, we valued a floor that respects tradition but offers modern durability.”
CRAFT’s Genoa plays a starring role underfoot. Its light and natural wood tone harmonizes the new layout, contributing to the sense of spaciousness.
The home is calm and soothing —a counterweight to the rich urban daily life that surrounds it.
The first floor’s centrepiece —the angled fireplace— is an inviting focal point for the living room, anchoring the space with its sculptural presence. Its linear contours capture Montreal’s changing light throughout the day.
Soft wood tones underfoot create a space that’s both elegant and inviting. The design preserves the gracious scale of a century-old structure while ushering it into the present —where minimal clutter and carefully chosen surfaces invite relaxation.
Many NDG homes share a similar story: preserving century-old details while embracing modern comfort. This project exemplifies that synergy, earning Grand Prix du Design recognition for its forward-thinking yet respectful approach. It’s a testament to how well-chosen materials can enrich daily life and safeguard a home’s heritage.
For CRAFT, the thoughtful renovation of this historic NDG residence reaffirms how heritage and innovation can coexist beautifully. It stands as a prime example of how well-planned design and quality craftsmanship adapt older architecture to modern living —preserving an enduring sense of community.
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GENOA
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