Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Exhibition and Event Complex, Laval Building, Architecture Images
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Exploration Centre in Laval
Sustainable Building Development in Quebec, Canada design by Cardin Julien
3 Sep 2019
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Architecture: Cardin Julien
Location: Laval, southwestern Quebec (north of Montreal), Canada
Visitors to Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles can now enjoy a new building, which includes an interpretation centre for the river and its ecosystems, as well as sporting and educational activities on an annual basis. The park’s reception pavilion provides special access to its protected wildlife zone, which is the largest one in the entire metropolitan area.
Parc de la Rivière des Mille-Îles’ multipurpose centre is an important new facility for the City of Laval: it serves as a community and educational resource, a service area, and a support centre for the park’s activities. It is open to the general public, schools, and children’s groups.
The main building is comprised of 3 floors. The ground floor is home to a large multipurpose hall that has a view of the river (café, reception, diffusion), a monitoring room (conferences and events), and museum programming (exhibition, animal reserve). The lower level (river level) houses the equipment rental area and a locker room, an ecology laboratory, researchers’ offices, and day camp facilities. A multipurpose room, which can be rented and divided into three sections, is located upstairs alongside the employee relaxation area.
In order for the project to integrate seamlessly into its environment, the use of wood was recommended for the building’s exterior. This material, which can also be found inside the building, fosters a warm environment and allows a connection between visitors and the nature around them. In addition, the structure was built in such a way that it preserves the mature trees growing onsite.
Cardin Julien minded every detail throughout the process of building the interpretation centre. Most notably, the firm recommended raised floors for the exhibition area to enhance the space’s comfort, aesthetic, and flexibility in terms of layout.
The project also included a renovation of the old stable, repurposing it as a workshop and equipment distribution kiosk (watercraft, docks, supports). In addition, the project entailed designing a new exterior site to include parking, a bike path, pedestrian walkways, and landscaping.
The building is the City of Laval’s first public project to aim for LEED NC 2009 GOLD certification. The firm paid particular attention to water conservation by designing a system to recycle rainwater. Energy conservation is also at the heart of the building’s design, most notably with a high-performance envelope and the integration of vegetation (roofs and walls).
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Exploration Centre, Laval – Building Information
Location: Laval, Québec, Canada
Budget: $11.5 M
Project end date:
Surface area: 12,400 pi2
Client: City of Laval
Architects and designers: Cardin Julien
Project manager: Jean-François Julien
Landscape architect: Marc Fauteux
Engineers: WSP
Contractor: Groupe Geyser
Project leed and commissioning: BPA
About Cardin Julien
Founded in Montreal in 1992, Cardin Julien designs and implements key projects in the form of landmark sustainable buildings. The firm creates spaces that are adapted to their visitors, thanks to its experience and know-how in planning and designing complex installations.
Its unique edge lies in transforming limitations into creative solutions. Cardin Julien relies on its team’s wealth of experience – a team that, over the years, has developed unique expertise by establishing a successful track record with innovative projects.
Images: David Boyer and Jean-François Julien
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Exploration Centre in Laval images / information received 040919 from v2com newswire
Location: Laval, Québec, Canada
Quebec Buildings
Quebec Building Designs
Montreal Building Designs – chronological list
Montreal Architecture Walking Tours
La Barque Residence, Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm, Matawinie, Quebec
Architects: ACDF Architecture
photography : Adrien Williams
La Barque Residence in Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm
Discovery and Services Center, Boucherville, Montreal, Quebec
Design: Smith Vigeant architectes
photograph : Adrien Williams
Discovery and Services Center, Boucherville
Chalet La petite soeur, Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm, Canada
Architects: ACDF Architecture
photography : Adrien Williams
Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm Residence
Website : ADHOC Architects
Comments / photos for the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Exploration Centre in Laval page welcome
Website: Laval