Nestled in the Mont-Royal Mountain sector of Outremont, Quebec, Mountain Cove stands as a 4,265-square-foot architectural marvel. Designed by MU Architecture, and completed in 2023, the residence merges luxury with ingenious design to harmonize with its unique, trapezoidal site.
“Positioned at the corner of the street, the residence adopts a more opaque posture on the outside, turning away from the urban hustle and bustle to open towards the west, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Laurentian Mountains,” says Jean-Sébastien Herr, principal architect at MU. Subtle angles in the home’s volumetry and roofing serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, integrating seamlessly with the terrain.
Design Challenges and Innovations
The steep incline, granite rock, and watercourse presented substantial challenges. The team meticulously designed waterproof foundations and a layout that maximized privacy while embracing natural light.
“The stacking of rectangular volumes forms a distinctive architectural signature, creating a play of solids and voids along the facades,” Herr explains. High ceilings of up to 12 feet and expansive windows flood the home with light, while terraces and adjustable sunshades extend living spaces outdoors.
The Savaria Vuelift: Centerpiece of Design
Originally planned for a traditional elevator, the design evolved when the Savaria Vuelift was introduced. “Once we saw it, we knew we had to make it a focal point of the design,” says Herr. The octagonal panoramic elevator was placed at the heart of the thermo-lacquered steel staircase, connecting the home’s three levels.
Unlike traditional elevators, the panoramic Vuelift reflects and dissipates light, enhancing its surroundings. “The acrylic hoistway reflects natural light from windows into other spaces in the home,” Herr says “The real-life result is even better than we imagined during the design phase.”
Architectural Elegance at Every Level
From the discreet four-car garage and mudroom on the lower level to the luminous living spaces above, each detail serves both form and function. The kitchen’s Nero Marquina marble islands and the primary suite’s white oak panels showcase a refined material palette. Outdoor terraces and a vegetated roof underline a commitment to sustainability.
Herr reflects on the choice of the Vuelift Octagonal model: “Its architectural shape complements Mountain Cove’s angles and volumes, making it a stunning centerpiece.”
Project Takeaways for Architects
Mountain Cove exemplifies how thoughtful integration of materials, light, and innovative features can transform challenges into opportunities. More than just a practical solution, the Savaria Vuelift became a design element that elevated the project’s architectural impact.
Project Credits
- Architects: MU Architecture (Jean-Sébastien Herr, Charles Côté, Magda Telenga, Andrée-Anne Godin, Maude Hébert, Sakiko Watatani)
- Contractor: Lexa Construction
- Elevator: Savaria Vuelift
For architects seeking inspiration, Mountain Cove demonstrates the potential of combining luxury, ingenuity, and environmental harmony.
Read the full Mountain Cove case study.
Find Vuelift design tools, including BIM objects, CAD drawings, master specifications, planning guides, and a model comparison guide.
