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The finalists
Interiors ◆ Residential
Are
Finalist
Project
Garnier Residence
Location
Montreal, Canada
Firm
Dupont Blouin, Canada
Summary
A speakeasy isn’t the most obvious addition to a home, but it certainly suits this family of frequent hosts. Most impressively, their U-shaped bar doubles as a warm, functional kitchen by day. Other features borrowed from the hospitality industry include a cocktail lounge–inspired living room lined with bookcases and a dining room wrapped in ochre curtains. Along with the home’s skylit staircase, a glam guest powder room is enclosed within an intriguing central walnut module. A terrazzo floor extends throughout to harmonize these different areas, while more intimate spaces upstairs include an interior courtyard located off the primary bedroom.
Finalist
Project
Casa das Janelas Verdes
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Firm
MESA atelier
Summary
As short-term rental properties drive up Lisbon’s housing prices, residents seeking to live in tourist-heavy neighbourhoods like Janelas Verdes must embrace unconventional real estate. Here, mirrored windows work to adapt a former art gallery into an inviting home. White walls, an open layout and a sculptural banister maintain some of the property’s former life, while soft mint-green cabinetry adds domestic warmth. Downstairs, the already-calm retreat lets out a soft exhale, presenting a bright and spacious bathroom and open-concept living, office and bedroom space, all comfortably sheltered from the busy urban activity above.
Finalist
Project
Rue de la Gauchetière Loft
Location
Montreal, Canada
Firm
Future Simple Studio, Canada
Summary
Taking an utterly original approach, architect Christine Djerrahian of Montreal’s Future Simple Studio successfully reimagined a private unit within a former factory as a family-friendly loft that supports modern-day living. The concept was simple enough: place a box inside another box. But the execution showcases a skilful mastery of spatial planning, materiality and ingenuity that respects the structure’s original industrial characteristics.
Finalist
Project
House on Bracondale Hill
Location
Toronto, Canada
Firm
Drew Mandel Architects, Canada
Summary
Comprising a brick shingle–clad side extension and a one-storey rear glass addition to a 1924 heritage residence, this house shines in its graceful details. A grand archway leads from the den to the kitchen, which also boasts a central island with its own curved elements. Other rooms are defined largely by crisp cabinetry in white oak — or, in the case of the primary bedroom and ensuite, by the white oak beams that run along the double-height pitched roof. And then, of course, there is the real showstopper: a sinuous staircase that weaves throughout all four storeys of the house as a sculptural centrepiece.
And
Interiors ◆ Residential
The Winner
+ The Peoples Choice
Is
Project
Rue de la Gauchetière Loft
Location
Montreal, Canada
Firm
Future Simple Studio, Canada
Christine Djerrahian: 2021 AZ Award Winner in Residential Interiors

Taking an utterly original approach, architect Christine Djerrahian of Montreal’s Future Simple Studio successfully reimagined a private unit within a former factory as a family-friendly loft that supports modern-day living. The concept was simple enough: place a box inside another box. But the execution showcases a skilful mastery of spatial planning, materiality and ingenuity that respects the structure’s original industrial characteristics.

Located in a 100-year-old heritage building in the city’s Old Port neighbourhood, the apartment was spacious enough, but its open-concept layout impeded the flexible and ever-changing lifestyle of its inhabitants. By organizing the shared domains — the kitchen, living and dining areas, along with designated spots for exercise, study and artistic endeavours — around the perimeter, Djerrahian freed up space to insert two bespoke kit-of-parts bedrooms, complete with ceiling panels and mullions, flooring, convertible bed frames and furniture.

“What an atmosphere!”
Adelaide Testa, AZ Awards 2021 Juror
(more…)