Take a Look Inside Habitat 67’s Newly Renovated Penthouse Apartment
Renovating a unit in Montreal’s Habitat 67 requires a special attention to detail. For almost half a century, the housing complex — originally built for Expo ’67 — has stood as one of North America’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Conceived by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie as his masters thesis in architecture, the pavilion now houses 146 units — Sadie himself still keeps an apartment in the building.
This particular unit was recently restored, with the aim of updating the fixtures and interior while maintaining its unique use of light and space. The lines were kept clean and simple with distinctly minimal decor.
The occasional splash of colour (the kitchen counter, a painting, colour-coordinated bookshelf) compliments the concrete without competing against it.
A few interior walls were removed during the renovation to enlarge the spaces and flood them with light. Large windows frame the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River below.
It might’ve been built in 1967, but thanks to the open-concept concrete box design of each unit, Habitat 67 remains as contemporary as ever. The sparse, modern furnishings perfectly play off that aesthetic.
And there’s no need for residents to lament the loss of outdoor space: hanging gardens and even a pool or two can be found on the pavilion’s patios. Every luxury is accounted for in this building.
Photos: Adrien Williams & Gorgin Fazli
