The Saint-Éloi Restaurant Project: Craftsmanship and Collaboration

We recently had the pleasure of working on an exceptionally exciting project: crafting bespoke furniture for the Saint-Éloi restaurant in Gatineau. This collaboration marks the inaugural edition of our new video series showcasing our achievements. We are thrilled to share the intricate details of this unique venture with you.

A Vision Brought to Life

The vision for this project was imagined by Zoé and François, the restaurant's owners. With the expert guidance of Cubiq Architecture, a stunning and warm design was meticulously crafted to bring the space to life. Our role was to translate this vision into reality, creating custom furniture pieces that seamlessly integrate with the desired ambiance. The collaborative process with Cubiq Architecture ensured that every element aligned perfectly with the overall aesthetic, resulting in a harmonious and inviting environment.

Exquisite and Unique Pieces

For this project, we created several distinct furniture elements, each characterized by meticulous attention to detail and unique features:

1. Dining Table: A 12-seater harvest dining table made of white oak, reinforced with C-channels to ensure lasting durability. This centerpiece combines robustness with elegance, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The C-channels are strategically placed under the table, enhancing its strength without compromising the clean lines and warm atmosphere of the restaurant.

2. Buffet: A maple buffet equipped with sliding hardware for smooth operation, featuring removable maple shelves for optimal flexibility. The sliding mechanism was chosen for its ease of use and sleek appearance, allowing for seamless access to storage while maintaining the buffet's clean lines. The adjustable shelves were specifically designed to organize glasses of different sizes, providing the versatility the restaurant staff needed to efficiently manage their glassware.

3. Rattan and Maple Panels: Positioned between the banquettes and the buffet, these panels add a touch of natural texture and warmth to the space while also offering privacy. The combination of rattan and maple creates a visually appealing contrast, enhancing the overall design and providing a unique focal point within the restaurant. These panels were meticulously crafted to ensure durability while maintaining their intricate detailing.

4. Custom Built-in Reception Module: Crafted from high-quality HDF, a denser and higher quality MDF, this built-in piece serves as a reception desk and organizes menus and other items, offering both durability and elegance. It welcomes guests with a refined aesthetic and practical functionality, ensuring that the reception area is both stylish and efficient. The use of HDF ensures longevity, while the sleek design complements the restaurant's overall look.

5. Door Trims: Made from black-stained white oak, the arched door trims were constructed in three sections using a custom-built template, ensuring exceptional precision and quality. These trims not only frame the doorways beautifully but also add an element of sophistication to the space. The black stain enhances the natural grain of the oak, providing a striking contrast to the lighter tones used throughout the restaurant.

Challenges and Solutions

As with any project, this one presented its own set of challenges. The wait for certain components and the coordination of all elements required meticulous planning. However, thanks to our talented team and close collaboration with the owners, we successfully overcame these hurdles, ensuring each piece perfectly met their expectations. The precise coordination of deliveries and installations was crucial to maintaining the project's timeline, and our team's dedication ensured a smooth process from start to finish.

Project Timeline

The initial meetings for the Saint-Éloi project began in the summer of 2023. We engaged in detailed discussions and provided quotes, ensuring every aspect met the client’s vision. Production commenced in the fall of 2023, and we successfully completed the delivery and installation in the winter of 2024.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Each piece was crafted with an unwavering attention to detail and professional craftsmanship, using high-quality materials. Everything is handcrafted in Gatineau with grade A wood and high-quality materials. Every step passes through quality control to ensure the best quality. The combination of premium materials and expert craftsmanship guarantees that our creations will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and timeless design.

Client Satisfaction

Our clients, the owners of Saint-Éloi, were thrilled with the outcome. The furniture perfectly matched the aesthetic and warmth they had envisioned for their restaurant. Their positive feedback reaffirms our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. 

Our Commitment

At ref., we are committed to creating bespoke furniture that meets the unique needs of every client and space. By working closely with our clients, we ensure their complete satisfaction. Our dedication to understanding and fulfilling our clients' visions sets us apart, and we take pride in delivering exceptional results. We offer custom furniture and millwork, as well as customizable collections on our website. If you have a project in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life. Customers can reach us via email or fill out the form on our website to get a free quote.

Looking Ahead

We have several exciting project highlights coming up, and we look forward to sharing them with you. Stay tuned for more insights into our work in future videos, and thank you for joining us on this creative journey.

For more information about our services and collaborations, visit our website or contact us directly at info@ref-co.ca. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to see more of our projects and become part of our family. Stay connected for updates on our latest projects and offerings.