INPHO Architectures Physiques et d’Information, ArchitecteWe can’t say we “discovered” founding principal Jean-Maxime Labrecque, but then again we sort of did, back in 2013, when Azure contributor Austin Macdonald wrote about Labrecque’s Ex Duplex. Essentially, the project entailed cutting a big square at the centre of the main floor of a typical Montreal duplex to access the crawl space below, thereby creating the effect of loft-height ceilings at the core of a bungalow. Besides being wholly original in his approach to problem solving, Labrecque is preoccupied with details. Ex Duplex’s appeal is also found in its stripped back material choices, like chain-link fencing acting as a staircase rail and an all-black shower room next to an all-white bedroom.
Why you should know them: Labrecque has been busy working on various projects both large and micro, including retail interiors, apartment spaces and the reimagining of a Tudor house as a sleek of-the-moment interior defined by white walls, mirrored internal volumes and hardwood floors. Already this year, the office has earned three Grands Prix du Design awards. |