Modern loft-style apartments built atop a dentist’s office

This sleek, metal-clad building in Montreal is business on the bottom and dreamy loft-style living on the top. Paul Bernier Architecte expanded a street-level dental care practice—of all things!—by adding two floors above for a duo of apartments.

To make a distinction between the business and upper-level residences, the architects sheathed the front apartment windows in a perforated mesh screen. This striking facade made of aluminum panels obscures the interiors from the busy street traffic and casts a cool, dotted shadow pattern into the rooms. Lest you’re worried about natural lighting, the apartments feature huge skylights inside, plus expansive floor-to-ceiling windows toward the rear.

Both of the two-bedroom apartments embrace a modern aesthetic with gray walls, exposed infrastructure, black ceilings, and concrete floors. Out back, terraces and a green roof atop the garage add a necessary dose of nature to the industrial-chic setup.

Adrien Williams

Adrien Williams

Adrien Williams

Adrien Williams

Adrien Williams

Adrien Williams