moshe safdie’s personal unit at habitat 67 has been completely renovated

safdie architects has completed a comprehensive renovation of the habitat 67 unit belonging to moshe safdie himself. the tenth floor duplex unit, which was originally owned by the commissioner of expo 67, is perched atop the residential complex, looking across the saint lawrence river towards downtown montreal.

all images by marc cramer and thomas miau

safdie architects began the project, which lasted two years, by researching the building’s original conditions from 1967. the renovation involved repairing decades of water damage, the restoration of the interior to its original condition, and technical upgrades to bring the residence in line with 21st century standards of sustainability and energy conservation.

the 10th floor duplex unit is perched atop the residential complex

to address the water damage, the exterior concrete walls were stripped to allow proper repair, insulation, and waterproofing of the envelope. the unit’s wood parquet flooring has been restored to its original condition, with a slot detail providing air supply and return from the raised floor below. new energy-efficient windows match the building’s original profile, while sliding patio doors retract into the wall once opened.

sliding patio doors retract into the wall once opened

kitchen cabinets and appliances were reinstated, with new appliances integrated behind the cabinetry. a local shipwright was responsible for restoring the molded fiberglass bathrooms and rehabilitating its integral fixtures and fittings. meanwhile, externally, clear polycarbonate railings have been installed on the terraces.

the interior has been restored to its original condition

the interior was restored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of habitat 67, the landmark housing development designed by moshe safdie when he was in his 20s. the unit will be donated to the public realm, and will be open for public visits by tour. safdie architects is also involved in the ongoing restoration of the building’s concrete exterior.

new energy-efficient windows match the building’s original profile

the unit’s wood parquet flooring has been restored to the original condition

the unit will be donated to the public realm, and will be open for public visits by tour

a local shipwright was responsible for restoring the molded fiberglass bathrooms

habitat 67 looks across the saint lawrence river towards downtown montreal

floor plan / level 0
image courtesy of safdie architects

floor plan / level +1
image courtesy of safdie architects

project info:

safdie architects: sean scensor, matt longo, and reihaneh ramezany
local architect: ghislain bélanger
contractor: fairmont construction