At the intersection of Griffintown and Old Montreal, locally based Ivy Studio has completed the new wellness destination ERE Studios inside the Cité du Multimédia. Spanning 4,415 square feet at grade, the concept reflects the raw industrial character of the existing architecture while also embracing an elevated luxury aesthetic. “We wanted to distance ourselves from both extremes of the fitness spectrum—the ultra-gritty ‘garage’ gyms on one end, and the ultra-soft, spa-like yoga studios on the other,” says Philip Staszewski. “We drew heavily from minimalist luxury retail, choosing to expose the raw, clinical elements of the base building while introducing strategic moments of softness and warmth.”

Warm, curvilinear volumes and a refined material palette soften the raw backdrop beginning in the gallery-inspired reception, where flat square light panels illuminate the rounded stainless steel reception desk. Contrasting the cooler tones of glass, mirror, and concrete, common areas feature warm cream walls accented by notes of buttery yellow, baby blue, and terracotta. Long banquette wrapped in rich red velvet upholstery are paired with matching poufs and small bleachers along window walls as well.

All three fitness studios contrast the bright lobby. The cavernous spinning studio is outfitted with 40 bikes and color-changing LEDs that sync with music, while the pilates room accommodates 10 reformers accented by long sheer curtains filtering natural light from street-facing windows. A heated strength room lined with warm brown walls and floors is cast in a soft glow via dimmable LEDs as well.