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Folk’

Folk’ is more than just a place to stay — it tells stories, shares heritage, and welcomes guests.

Folk’ is an interior design project that embodies a vision of design as a vehicle for emotion and culture, driven by an integrated approach and meticulous attention to detail. By weaving a strong connection between name, space, and experience, Folk’ offers a form of hospitality that is both rooted and contemporary, celebrating ancestral knowledge to enrich today’s uses.

Located on Saint-Joseph Street in Quebec City, Folk’ is a short-term rental housing project that celebrates the richness of Wendat culture through a design focused on user comfort and experience. Designed by Patriarche, Folk’ stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, combining interior design, graphic identity, and signage within a unified and coherent vision.

Client : Gestin GLL Inc.

Location : Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Size : 246 m²

Status : Delivered

Date : 2024

Key points

  • A rental housing project.
  • Space optimization.
  • Culture and tradition.
  • Visual identity.
Download the project sheet
Motif Folk'

A delicate narrative woven through words, colors, and materials

Folk’ draws its inspiration from the word “folklore” — combining “folk” (people) and “lore” (knowledge, tradition) — to offer an immersive experience where cultural heritage meets contemporary design. Its visual identity, both accessible and symbolic, blends organic shapes — inspired by the circle, a symbol of connection and transmission — with natural color palettes evoking the landscape. The result is a vibrant and welcoming universe, where Indigenous knowledge is highlighted with sensitivity.

The project unfolds across four rental units spread over two levels, structured around two typologies inspired by the Wendat language :

  • Arhon (to rest): terracotta tones evoking warmth and autumn evenings, creating a cozy and enveloping atmosphere.
  • Akenh (to rise from bed): soft green hues and budding elements, evoking morning freshness and renewal.

These names, chosen for their resonance and symbolism, root the project in a respectful approach to Wendat culture while shaping the spatial narrative.

The graphic symbol derived from the logo, inspired by geometric patterns from Indigenous visual culture, is subtly echoed throughout the spaces — signage, custom wallpaper, decorative elements — ensuring a seamless continuity between visual identity and interior design.

Plan type de logement Folk'

Smart design in a compact space

The original building, formerly used as office space, was completely reconfigured to accommodate the rental units within a narrow volume. The main challenge: optimizing every square foot to offer bright, comfortable accommodations without compromising the quality of the experience.

The spatial layout was designed to maximize natural light: the bedrooms, positioned along the façade, are semi-open to allow daylight to flow into the heart of the unit. Privacy is maintained through perforated panels that define zones without fully enclosing them.

Montage pour le design intérieur

Living spaces are structured through chromatic transitions: textured surfaces, built-in furniture, and accent colors. These elements create a natural reading of the space while encouraging fluidity of use. To enhance the user experience, carefully selected materials reinforce both visual and acoustic comfort: geometric-patterned rugs, integrated bed podiums, and a mix of raw and soft textures (wool, weaving, wall textiles) establish a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Set back from the openings, the entrance to each unit has been thoughtfully designed to offer a bright and airy welcome. The living areas, meanwhile, are conceived as inviting cells, punctuated by colorful touches that naturally guide the user from one function to another.

Cadres dans les logements Folk'

A collaboration rooted in Wendat culture

Folk’ was born from a close dialogue with the client, a member of the Wendat Nation, driven by the desire to share and celebrate his heritage in an urban context. The project strikes a subtle balance between cultural rootedness and modernity, avoiding stereotypes to reveal a place that is both authentic, vibrant, and unique within the current market offering.

Graphic standards

These examples clearly illustrate the use of Wendat elements within the graphic standards of this project.

Compilation mobilier Folk'

Team

Patriarche (Architecture, Interior Design, Signage)

Credits

©Edouard Vachon

 

 

Programme

Hotel
Interior
Residential