Route 132 | Student Residence

ROUTE 132 is a student residence project inspired by the lighthouses along Route 132 and the idea of student life as a continuous journey. The concept reflects how being a student is full of constant change, discovery, and new learning experiences at every turn—much like travelling along a coastal route.

The design draws from the weathered character of lighthouses, using a palette inspired by rusted metals and coastal surroundings. Warm rust tones, oranges, and faded blues are balanced with greens and water-inspired blues to reflect both the industrial history and natural landscape of the site.

The residence is designed to create a functional and welcoming environment that supports both community and independence. Shared spaces encourage interaction and collaboration, while quieter areas allow for focus and retreat. Through its materiality and narrative-driven design, ROUTE 132 transforms student living into a meaningful journey shaped by place, memory, and exploration.

Site Context

Les Cours Mont-Royal | 1555 Rue Peel - Montreal

This building is a perfect fit for a student ressidence for its close amenities in the same building and for its proximity to major schools including Dawson College, McGill, and Concordia. This Building still works for students with schools that area bit further as the metro station is connected underground with Les Cours Mont-Royal.

Outside of school this is a great place for students to stay for the local attractions, museums, art, coffee shops, etc. The building even allows for students to have access to a roof top terrace for a private connection to nature when the city gets stressful. It also allows for an abundance of almost 360 natural day light from the outside walls aswell as the skylights inside.

Map

Concept Images

Flow

Journey

Comfort

Sustainability

The administration desk, along with several other elements throughout the project, was crafted from reclaimed ocean wood, including driftwood. Additional features, such as the terrace chairs, were created using recycled ghost gear — abandoned or discarded fishing equipment recovered from the ocean.

Many aspects of the Route 132 Student Housing project were inspired by the scenic views along Route 132 in Quebec. Percé Rock served as inspiration for the Paquebot Café counter design, while the café banquettes were inspired by sailboats. The staircase design was influenced by coastal lighthouses, which also motivated the project’s material palette and maritime-inspired atmosphere.

Building Section

Ground Floor Legend

1. Administrative Desk | 2. Seating Area | 3. Snaile Parcels Mail | 4. Bike Storage | 5. Security

Ground Floor

The ground floor was designed to clearly separate office functions from student living within the mixed-use building. To create a stronger sense of identity, privacy, and security for residents, a dedicated student entrance was incorporated into the design.

This level includes a waiting and lounge area for students and guests, along with an administrative desk for inquiries and residence tours. Additional amenities include 24-hour security, bicycle storage, and a secure mailroom featuring Snaile parcel lockers for package delivery and pickup.

Ground Floor - Administration Desk & Seating Area

Student Dorm Rooms

Dorm Romm 1 - 1 Student 300 Sq.Ft

Dorm Room 2 - 2 Student 750 Sq.Ft

Dorm Room 3 - 1 Student 340 Sq.Ft

Dorm Room 4 - 3 Student 650 Sq.Ft

Typical Dorm Room

Each dorm room is designed with consistent amenities to support student living, including a kitchenette with a microwave, pull-out fridge and freezer, storage, workspace, and lounge area. The design balances functionality and personalization, allowing residents to make the space their own while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic through white oak countertops, warm burnt-orange cabinetry, and backsplash details inspired by the maritime character of Route 132.

Typical Single Dorm - Kitchenette

Typical Single Dorm

Dorm Room Door - Corridors

13th Floor Legend

13th Floor

The 13th Floor is designed as a social space where students can relax, connect, and have fun together. The floor includes a variety of recreational amenities such as board games, a TV lounge for gaming and watching sports, a pool table, and a ping pong table. To create a space that accommodates different comfort levels and activities, the layout offers both open and enclosed areas. The quieter, enclosed section at the back provides students with a more private environment for activities such as card games, board games, laptop gaming, or smaller group gatherings.

14th Floor Legend

14th Floor

On the 14th Floor, students have access to a compact fitness space that supports both physical and mental well-being. The gym includes light fitness equipment, two dedicated fitness rooms, and a boxing area located behind the beverage station. The layout separates activities by function, with cardio equipment positioned on the left side and weight training equipment on the right, creating an organized and accessible environment for students to stay active and healthy.

15th Floor Legend

15th Floor

The 15th-floor library is designed as a welcoming space where students can step away from their dorms to study, relax, or browse curated shelves featuring Canada Reads selections and Giller Prize winners. The layout includes quiet study rooms at the back and flexible tables in the center for both group and individual work. There is also a Semi-closed seating area and various other seating types for every need. We also added a computer space at the back for anyone who may need a computer or to use for printing. There is also a soundproof, quiet room for students who need a quiet space to study or work.

Lighthouse Inspired Stairs- 15th Floor

Lighthouse Inspired Stairs Library Side- 15th Floor

Custom Millwork - Alcove Banquette

The staircase was designed as a key feature element within the marine Route 132 concept, drawing inspiration from the form and presence of a lighthouse — one of the main influences throughout the project. Rather than incorporating actual rusted metal, the design captures the essence of weathered maritime materials through a palette inspired by rust tones, including deep blues, warm oranges, and subtle metallic detailing. These colours and textures are carried throughout the space, including in the built-in recessed banquette located beneath the lighthouse-inspired stair landing.

Materials Board

Perforated Metal - Details

Concrete - Columns

Leather - Cafe

Upholstery - Cafe Banquette

Stone Flooring - Cafe

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete on plywood - Cafe Counter

Upholstery - Libary Seating

Carpet - Libary & Corridors

Metal - Deatils

Leather - Libary Seating

Felt Ceiling - RC

White Oak - Flooring in Dorms

Upholstery - Libary & RC Seating

Leather - Libary & RC Seating

rift-cut white oak - Library

Upholstery - Libary Seating

Leather - Libary Seating

Dark Green Paint - Cafe Ceiling

Terrace Floor

Cafe and Terrace

The staircase leading to the café & Terrace creates a social gathering space beneath a large skylight. Located on the terrace floor, the café offers a 360-degree exterior view and is operated by Paquebot, a well-known Montréal café and coffee roaster. A variety of seating options, including high-top tables, lounge seating, and banquettes, creates a comfortable and flexible environment for students.

Two sliding doors connect the café to the outdoor terrace, which includes multiple seating areas, an open pergola, and an outdoor kitchen for barbecues and community events. Together, the library, café, and terrace create a space that supports studying, socializing, and student well-being.

Paquebot Cafe Percé Rock Counter - Terrace Floor

Aerial View- Terrace

Outdoor Seating - Terrace

Pergola & Outdoor Kitchen/BBQ - Terrace

Interior Design Exhibition 2026 - Dawson College Montreal

Designed by | Maryssa Baril

Dawson College | 2026

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