Challenges worthy of FX Studio’s talent and skill

Having been entrusted with the Stanbrooke project, FX Studio Design and its founder and chief interior designer Frédric Clairoux are taking on a bold mission fraught with multiple challenges, including making the very best use of available space.

Using space in the most effective and creative way

At a time when square-foot prices in large city centres are soaring, property developers have to optimize the use of space – however limited.

Right from the start of the Stanbrooke project, Brivia Group and Gansu Tianqing Real Estate Group decided to call on FX Studio Design’s renowned creativity, expert know-how, and professional approach to meet this special challenge.

The final result is both innovative and forward-looking. And it is due, without a doubt, to the synergy between the design team under Frédric Clairoux and the architectural team at Marco Manini architecte. It is also due to the Clairoux team’s involvement in all phases of the project, from initial design to final furnishings.

“In partnership with architect Marco Manini, we wanted to create a future-proof project that would exert great appeal year after year after year. By focusing on forward-looking style, high-quality materials, and both new and emerging technologies, we developed a technology-based approach that doesn’t result in cold and impersonal design. Instead, it enhances residents’ quality of life,” states Frédric Clairoux.

Custom technology, custom lifestyle

The Stanbrooke is a 176-unit residential tower project that targets mainly Millennials, a generation that seeks unique experiences and whose daily lives revolve around technology.

To attract this customer base of urban dwellers drawn to a cool and digital lifestyle, Frédric Clairoux’s team is making an astute use of technology to create a special living environment that engages residents as soon as they move in. For instance, from the moment they enter the lobby, they are connected to the building as a whole through wi-fi. In addition, screens placed at various locations provide information about the building and events around town.

Painstaking attention to detail

The studios in the Stanbrooke were designed to optimize the use of space while preserving a strong sense of unity and harmony. They feature a shared core structure consisting of a kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom where every square inch has been thought through to minimize visual impact and maximize spaciousness. In addition, the project’s focus on optimizing light and openness will provide residents with an outstanding living environment in harmony with seasonal cycles and the evolving urban landscape.

The Stanbrooke’s design is timeless and creates a one-of-a-kind living environment. It is also smart design, resulting in no wasted space.

The project also fosters a sense of community. It does this through many built-in features that are vital to Millennials, for whom multi-tasking is a way of life. The lobby and rooftop patio are designed as extensions of the units in an effort to sustain a strong feeling of community and create just the right balance between private and shared spaces. For instance, the rooftop patio is equipped with a projection wall for group screenings and provides residents with ample opportunity to cook together, study together, and hold large or small meetings. The project’s collective spaces, including study and/or work zones and event venues, are designed to support Millennials’ pace and lifestyle.

What’s more, the building will support Amazon’s Alexa application, enabling residents to make the most of this virtual personal assistant to meet their needs. Using their smart phone, residents can reserve a sports court, order a latte from the house barista or call on the services of a housekeeping specialist – all in just a few seconds.

Inspiration from all over the world

Best-in-class space optimization

The Clairoux team has drawn inspiration from Europe in designing small functional spaces, for example, bathrooms. Unlike their traditional North American counterparts, these bathrooms are designed as compact spaces to allow for optimal storage and a more spacious living environment.

Smart use of natural light

On this bold project, Frédric Clairoux and his team also drew inspiration from Asia, while preserving the building’s unique Montreal character, where distinct seasons certainly colour people’s moods.

That’s how Frédric Clairoux came up with the idea of using chromotherapy, the art of applying colour and light to enhance well-being. This technique is used to create diffuse lighting throughout the unit, including the bathroom. Interaction with this soothing light – present everywhere, in shared spaces and in each unit – has a transformative effect on heart and soul.

A chromotherapy system with adjustable settings lights up the building’s shared areas, including the entrance, hallways, and lobby. If the weather is grey, warm colours indoors help to create a welcoming atmosphere. Conversely, on hot sunny days, indoor lighting is adjusted to create a sense of freshness and coolness.

Home automation – a must-have feature

Home automation is a key feature of interior design. It’s a smart way of augmenting design through electronic, information, and telecom technologies. Home automation is used to centralize each studio’s control over various systems, including heating, sound, appliances, and security, to ensure comfort and peace of mind.

Clairoux sets its sights on the international market

The Stanbrooke project is an impressive showcase for interior designer Frédric Clairoux and his team at FX Studio – and a decisive demonstration of their talent. With a ten-year track record of success in Montreal, FX Studio now sets its sights on the international market.