Canadian practice D'Arcy Jones Architects has mixed modern additions with historical quirks inside its self-designed studio, which is housed within a century-old building in Vancouver.
The seven-storey Lee building, where the architect's office is located, was constructed between 1911 and 1912 as an early example of a mixed-use development, combining apartments, offices and commercial shops.
D'Arcy Jones Architects' studio is inside the Lee building. Top photo is by Ema Peter
Since then, the building has fallen into the hands of different owners and undergone various modifications. But, according to D'Arcy Jones Architects, it still retains some of its original charm.
As part of the renovation, the studio set out to highlight the fact that the Lee building has a past that goes back more than a century. White drywall contrasts with the building's rough structural shell
"Vancouver's building culture has always favoured renewal, so it does not have many old buildings," said the practice, which was founded in 1999.
"As a critique, the goal of this renovation was to celebrate past ways of building through contrast and emphasis."
The renovation works were carried out in two phases, with the first phase tackling the main staff workspace. This involved removing any recently installed fittings or fixtures and replacing them with panels of clean white drywall.
A black kitchen has been inserted at the back of the main workspace
These panels are juxtaposed against a...