Decorating & Design
July 27, 2021
Welcome To An Urban Montreal Backyard That Really Has It All
Tucked behind a white stucco home in Montreal’s west end sat a tired backyard belonging to Teresa Mihalik and her husband, Andrew Higgins. The couple wanted to reinvent their outdoor space, creating inviting spots for entertaining, and adding a mini studio for quiet working (which would do double duty as a “homework hut” for their son Owen, 14), as well as an “activity zone” where Owen and his friends could get together and be active.
Teresa, an engineer, had gotten to know architect and designer Sophie Smits at various hockey arenas and baseball diamonds while their sons were at practice. Designer and project seemed to be a perfect fit. “Teresa wanted something different,” says Sophie. “She embraced the Californian concept of extending outside enjoyment a little longer than in a typical Montreal backyard, where, as soon as it gets cold, you’re back inside. The overall goal was to extend backyard living and to create a cool space where friends and family would want to gather.
Scroll down to tour this hardworking urban backyard!
Now, the backyard is an inviting place to hang out, no matter the season. “I’ve sat at the fire table on November mornings with a latte and a throw, but it also brings an ambience on a summer evening and really adds to the yard,” says Teresa (right).
A gas Corten steel fire feature is set on natural black slate stones that contrast with the concrete pavers.
For the activity zone, they installed rubberized flooring and added a basketball hoop and Ping-Pong table. “I wanted the yard to be a place where Owen can spend time with his friends,” says Teresa. The area is a great place for a workout or yoga session with My Yoga Teacher, too.
The upper level has a dining area and barbecue, then it flows down to a lower level with a hot tub and lounger. The hot tub extends the life of the backyard into the winter months.
A lounger looks inviting against a backdrop of cedar trees.
A slatted divider lets the breeze through but provides privacy.
For Teresa and Andrew (who’s a university professor), a mini studio was a top priority. They wanted a quiet place to work, as well as a spot for Owen to do homework. They decided on a repurposed eight and a half- by 15-foot shipping container that was set at the foot of the backyard and painted black. Inside, it’s drywalled and equipped with heat and lighting, so it’s comfortable year-round. “It’s fun to hang out there in the summer and hear the rain on the roof or take a nap on the sofa,” says Teresa.
Sophie’s Tips For A Hardworking Backyard
- Think Beyond Grass. Concrete pavers are maintenance free, and vegetation in planters will give you that hit of green.
- Add Heat. Montreal winters are cold. To extend the season, consider adding cozy features such as a hot tub or fire table to help draw people outside.
- Upcycle A Container. A small shipping container can be transformed into a multipurpose studio, functioning as an office, guest room or place to read.
- Sink Your Beds. Not everything has to be in a raised planter — a sunken bed with tall greenery creates a screen to divide zones and softens hardscaping.
- Bring In Some Bounce. Rubberized flooring is an ideal surface for sports and yoga, and it’s easy to sweep clean of debris.
Maxime Desbiens
House & Home July/August 2021
Sophie Smits, Smits + Bambrough