Heritage Restoration

Traditional craftsmanship, preservation of original character, and durable execution — restoring beauty and integrity to historic buildings.

Heritage Workshop

Workshop for the restoration and applied arts of built heritage

Atrium Courtay

Atrium Courtay works in heritage restoration and architectural construction, with a focus on the enhancement of Montréal’s built heritage.

Our work is rooted in traditional craftsmanship, precise detailing, and a deep respect for the original character of historic buildings.

We combine site measurements, moulded profiles, woodwork, façade components, structural coordination, and durable construction methods adapted to today’s requirements.

Each intervention is approached as both technical work and architectural preservation — restoring beauty and integrity while protecting the long-term performance of the building.

Our projects include:

Restoration of heritage façades, mouldings, woodwork, cornices, columns, balconies, and railings
Reconstruction of missing or damaged architectural elements based on existing conditions, historical references, or available archive photographs
Work adapted to municipal requirements, heritage guidelines, and building-specific constraints
Coordination with architects, engineers, suppliers, and heritage professionals when required

This approach reflects the spirit of applied arts in heritage restoration, where craftsmanship, technique, and architectural preservation come together to restore and transmit the character of historic buildings.

Restoration of Heritage Wood Mouldings on an Old Façade

Park Avenue

Restoration of the "wolf's mouth" woodwork on an old façade.

Heritage restoration — work adapted to City of Montréal requirements

This project involved the restoration of decorative wood mouldings on a heritage façade in Montréal. The work required precise site measurements, profile matching, material preparation, and careful execution to preserve the architectural character of the building.

The intervention focused on restoring the original visual rhythm of the façade while using durable methods adapted to current building requirements.

Our approach is based on three principles:

Respect for built heritage: careful reproduction of original profiles, proportions, and architectural details.
Technical execution: precise preparation, installation, and finishing adapted to existing site conditions.
Coordination with requirements: work carried out with attention to municipal guidelines, durability, and the long-term integrity of the building.

Where heritage requirements demand precision, our workshop responds with detailed crafts manship and disciplined execution.

This project reflects our ability to work within regulated heritage contexts, combining technical compliance with craftsmanship and respect for architectural character.

Reconstruction of the columns and semicircles of the front balcony

Garnier Street

Location: Garnier Street, Montréal, QC

As part of a compliance notice issued by the City of Montréal, the owner was required to restore the front façade, including the reconstruction of the columns and semicircular architectural details of the front balcony.

Atrium Courtay was commissioned to design, prepare, and execute these elements with respect for the building’s heritage character and architectural proportions.

The work included structural reconstruction, replacement of weakened components, preparation of the semicircular framework, fabrication of wood details, and careful integration into the existing façade.

The columns, mouldings, curved sections, and decorative assemblies were prepared with precision before installation, allowing the final work to align with the original character of the building while meeting today’s construction requirements.

Where compliance is required, our work aims to restore beauty, integrity, and architectural value to Montréal’s built heritage.

The images document the entire process:

Structural reconstruction: replacement of weakened components and creation of the new semicircular framework.
Fine woodworking: cutting and assembly of hand-turned columns with faithful reproduction of the original mouldings.
Finishing and integration: installation of natural wood elements adjusted to the historical proportions of the building.

Where compliance is required, we see an opportunity to restore beauty and integrity to Montréal’s heritage.

The restored gallery

The front gallery is presented with renewed elegance. The reconstructed columns, curved details, wood soffit, and architectural mouldings restore the rhythm and character of the façade.

Workshop-prepared architectural elements:

The columns, mouldings, curved sections, and decorative assemblies were prepared with precision before being integrated on site.

The semicircular framework:

The internal structure of the semicircular detail was rebuilt with careful planning, accurate templates, and durable construction methods adapted to the existing building.

A façade where workshop meets heritage.

This overview shows the integration of architectural elements prepared off-site: columns, mouldings, curved sections, and decorative assemblies.

Before installation, each component was measured, drawn, shaped, and prepared in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy, consistency, and respect for the original architectural character.

The upper semicircle required careful technical preparation to achieve the proper radius, alignment, and integration with the existing façade.

The result is a restored heritage façade where craftsmanship, precision, and architectural continuity come together.

The Semicircle’s Framework

A structure prepared with precision before installation.

This image reveals the internal structure of the newly reconstructed semicircle. Each arch, segment, and curved template was prepared from detailed drawings to ensure accuracy, alignment, and durability.

Curved work cannot be improvised on site. The framework was carefully planned and prefabricated before installation, allowing the piece to fit smoothly into the existing façade.

Behind the finished detail is a precise structural assembly, designed to last and remain faithful to Montréal’s heritage architecture.

All elements — columns, semicircles, mouldings, lines, and decorative details — are prepared with care before being installed on the façade, ensuring quality, precision, and respect for the heritage character of the building.

Restoration of neoclassical mouldings and frames

Simpson Street

Atrium Courtay is a creation and restoration workshop specializing in the enhancement of Montreal’s architectural heritage.

Simpson Street

Restoration of neoclassical moldings and frames

Architectural woodwork restoration for a heritage façade in Montréal.
Location: Simpson Street, Montréal, QC

Situated in a Montréal heritage district, this red brick building features a façade inspired by neoclassical architecture, with symmetry, verticality, and fine moulded details.

As part of a heritage restoration requirement, the deteriorated mouldings and frames had to be restored with respect for the building’s original proportions and architectural character.

Atrium Courtay was commissioned to reproduce and restore the wood profiles with accuracy, using site measurements, profile drawings, careful material preparation, and detailed installation.

The work included:

Architectural survey and drawing of existing profiles to ensure stylistic accuracy.
Workshop preparation of mouldings, frames, and cornice details using wood adapted to exterior conditions.
Selective replacement of damaged sections and careful integration into the existing masonry.
Hand-finishing to respect the original texture, proportions, and visual character of the façade.

The result restores definition, contrast, and elegance to the building. The red brick, white mouldings, black door, and wrought iron balcony recover the architectural balance associated with Montréal’s historic façades.

Restoring a frame means restoring the relationship between structure, detail, and light. Each moulding contributes to the identity of the building.

This project reflects Atrium Courtay’s ability to work on heritage buildings subject to municipal requirements while maintaining craftsmanship, technical rigor, and respect for built heritage.

St-hubert construction site

Saint-Hubert Street

This heritage project on Saint-Hubert Street involved the restoration and reconstruction of architectural columns and decorative façade details.

The work required careful attention to the original proportions, angles, mouldings, and visual rhythm of the building. Each component was prepared with precision to respect the character of the existing façade while providing a durable and properly executed result.

The central diamond detail was recreated with accurate alignment and careful assembly, reinforcing the traditional architectural language of the building.

From the preparation of the columns to the final integration on site, the project reflects Atrium Courtay’s approach to heritage work: technical discipline, craftsmanship, and respect for Montréal’s architectural identity.

The precision of the cuts, the quality of the finishing, and the integration of each element into the façade demonstrate the level of care required for this type of restoration.

The Installation of a Heritage Column.

This image shows the installation of a heritage column prepared for the restoration of the façade.

The column was guided into position with careful alignment to match the existing structure, proportions, and architectural details of the building. Its hand-turned profile and raw wood surface reveal the craftsmanship behind the piece before finishing.

The installation required precision, site coordination, and respect for the original composition of the façade. Temporary supports were used to secure the work area while the restored elements were integrated into the building.

The restored cornice in the light.

This image shows the restored façade highlighted by natural light, revealing the details of the reconstructed cornice and mouldings.

The upper balcony, with its black ironwork, creates a strong contrast against the aged brick. The new white mouldings restore definition, proportion, and visual clarity to the heritage façade.

The result brings back the symmetry, elegance, and architectural rhythm expected in the restoration of historic Montréal buildings.

The central diamond

This image highlights the central diamond detail of the ornamental panel.

Each wood section was cut and assembled to create a balanced geometric pattern inspired by traditional façade detailing. The lines converge toward the centre, giving the panel its structure, rhythm, and visual strength.

The precision of the joints and the clean alignment of the pattern reflect the care required in heritage woodwork, where proportion, craftsmanship, and respect for period details are essential.

The handcrafted columns before installation.

This image shows the handcrafted columns before installation, prepared in natural wood and ready to be integrated into the heritage façade.

The moulded bases and turned profiles reveal the precision of the fabrication work before finishing. Each column was prepared to respect the proportions, rhythm, and architectural character of the original building.

This stage shows the transition between workshop preparation and on-site installation, where crafted elements become part of the restored façade.

The original state of the balcony before restoration.

The Original State Before Restoration

This image shows the balcony and façade before restoration, with visible deterioration: peeling wood, cracked paint, worn columns, and weakened mouldings.

The condition of the existing elements demonstrates the importance of a careful heritage intervention. Restoring this type of façade requires more than replacement — it requires attention to proportion, original details, material compatibility, and long-term durability.

This before condition highlights the transformation achieved through the restoration work and the value of preserving Montréal’s historic architectural character.

Marianne construction site

Marianne Street

Complete Reconstruction of a Heritage Bay Window

On Marianne Street, Atrium Courtay was commissioned to complete the reconstruction of a period bay window, an important architectural element of Montréal’s built heritage.

The project required careful planning, from the architectural survey to the preparation of the wood components. Panels, mouldings, ornamental frames, and geometric trim were reproduced according to the original proportions and adapted to the existing structure.

The bay window, marked by time, was carefully dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece to restore its architectural volume, façade rhythm, and historical character.

On site, our team completed the final assembly with attention to alignment, detailing, and durable integration into the existing façade.

The Bay Window Completely Rebuilt

Revealing the heritage structure before final integration.

This image shows the bay window at an important stage of reconstruction, with the façade opened to expose the existing frame and allow the new components to be installed properly.

The panels, mouldings, and architectural details were prepared before installation to respect the original lines, proportions, and character of the building.

The visible scaffolding, exposed structure, and newly installed windows show the transition between structural preparation and architectural restoration.

This stage highlights the care required to rebuild a heritage bay window with proper alignment, durable integration, and respect for the façade’s original expression.

The Reconstructed Volumes

Piece by piece, with respect for traditional architectural proportions.

This side view shows the depth and structure of the rebuilt bay window. The vertical panels, mouldings, cornices, and geometric lines were prepared with care before being assembled on site.

Each element was designed to respect the original volume of the façade while restoring the architectural rhythm and visual depth of the bay window.

The exposed timber frame shows the structural work behind the finished detail, reinforcing the durability required for this type of heritage restoration.

Together, the reconstructed volumes bring back the character, proportion, and integrity of the original façade.

The Marianne Street project reflects Atrium Courtay’s approach to heritage restoration: precise craftsmanship, technical discipline, and respect for Montréal’s architectural character.

Every component — from the drawings to the wood profiles and architectural details — was prepared with care and installed on site to restore the bay window’s original presence, proportion, and integrity.