DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
comfort and light F & B services to the hotel ’ s preferred guest program members , which is articulated by a glazed glass partition that maintains the permeation of natural light , yet assures the privacy of the room . The firm also leveraged the natural elements offered by an adjoining outdoor terrace to draw additional light into the room , as well as to create a sense of transition between the landscaping of the terrace and the hanging plants and anchoring tree of the breakfast area .
Contemporary Canadiana Transitioning to the restaurant , Bivouac offers a contemporary Quebecoise culinary experience featuring a terroir-themed menu and locallyprocured cheeses and wines . The client was set on creating a concept for the bar and restaurant area evocative of ‘ glamping ’, or glamorous camping , defined by references to Canadian wilderness landscapes and activities . Rather than taking a literal heritage approach to the idea , Atelier Zébulon Perron endeavoured to assuage the Canadiana theme within the contemporary context of a large downtown hotel .
“ While infusing subtle references to the glamping and Canadiana themes , we focused on developing sophisticated and contemporary spaces ,” says Perron .
“ We came up with a variety of solutions that address the full spectrum of those circumstances .”
In translating the concept to the setting of a new restaurant and dining room , one of the first elements introduced was an abundance of neatly arranged , upward-facing canoe paddles , aligned to frame the external perimeters of the space and to serve as a gateway between the breakfast area and the new restaurant . The theme is further conveyed throughout the space through various design elements that include an intricate mosaic tile pattern surrounding the bar , backrests upholstered and cinched with leather straps that are reminiscent of harnessed picnic blankets , and totem-shaped light fixtures emitting lantern-like glows from beneath canvas shades offering a subtle nod to tent material .
Convivial Connectivity Located on the 4th floor , the area can be accessed from either the reception area of the hotel lobby , or via the adjacent meeting rooms , with direct access to the bar and restaurant on one side of the elevator core , and direct access to the multi-functional breakfast space on the other . All of the spaces are connected internally , with a pool table and restroom area serving as a transitional space between the bar and the breakfast area . A few short stairs rise to the main bar area , designed as a warm and inviting space for congregating . The bar is further articulated by several smaller pockets of adjacent lounge space , providing options for more intimate gatherings .
The bar leads through to the dining room of Bivouac , designed with a warm ambiance highlighted by rich marbles , velvets , and hardwoods . Ambient light provides playful reflections on strategically-placed vertical mirrors and amber glass panels , while lighting fixtures custom-designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron , in partnership with Lambert et Fils , create optimal settings for both daytime and nighttime operations . The restaurant is further characterized by leatherupholstered banquette seating designed for comfort , and expansive windows overlooking the city ’ s vibrant Quartier des spectacles , with views of Place des Arts and the Montreal ’ s Contemporary Art Museum . The restaurant also features an open concept production kitchen , framed by two chef ’ s tables , that also services the collective F & B operations of the connected spaces .
“ It involved every aspect of construction to build this project from scratch , and we are proud of the way that it has all come together ,” notes Zébulon Perron .
“ In the end , we were able to design multiple spaces that smoothly transition into one another , with a variety of nooks , seating formations , and ambiances for every type of gathering .”
Project : Hilton Doubletree F & B spaces Restaurant / Bar / Lounge VIP / grab-and-go Location : Montréal ( Place des Arts ) Area : 13 000 sq . ft . Photo credit : Jean-Sébastien Senécal
www . zebulonperron . com
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