CASE STUDY
Piatti Restaurant - IVY STUDIO -
For over 15 years , Piatti has been a culinary institution on the North Shore of Montreal . Located in what was once a small ancient stone residence , the building was extended a few decades ago to accommodate a larger commercial space . Over a year ago , the reputable Italian restaurant has fallen victim to a devastating fire , damaging the majority of the roof structure and interior . However , from this tragedy rose the opportunity to give the space a much needed facelift .
The building is two storeys high , with the restaurants main entrance located at the lower level , where the preparation kitchen , private event room and washrooms are located . As clients enter and walk up the main staircase , they discover the dining areas , kitchen and waterfront terrace .
The main floor is divided into three distinct dining rooms , each with their own unique atmosphere . The bar is located in the original stone house and provides a very dimmed and cozy ambiance . In the more modern extension of the building is the main dining area , where exterior openings have been substantially enlarged , allowing direct circulation onto the terrace and bringing more natural light into the open space . Separated from this main space with a fluted glass partition is an intimate room meant for more private occasions .
While the overall esthetic is very contemporary , the décor was inspired by traditional Italian design and includes textures , materials and colours that project clients directly to the Mediterranean . Well known for their signature pizza selection , Piatti needed a pizza oven that stood out , and that it does . A monumental green Saint-Denis marble structure sits at the center of the restaurant , welcoming clients as they walk in . In front , a large curved black stained wood and marble counter serves as a dining surface , service and pizza stations throughout its length . Across the room , a pistachio green , hand plastered , double arched chicane leads servers from the dining room to the closed kitchen . To its right , a deep sienna velvet banquette floats in front of a fully mirrored wall , doubling the depth of the open space .
At the center of the room , a patterned marble inlay breaks the continuity of the natural oak flooring . As you walk through the ancient stone walls and over the marble threshold , you enter the dim lit bar area . The U-shaped bar structure itself is covered with vertical oak boards and supports a 4 inch thick travertine
- 78 -