Pavillons Lassonde,
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Saia Barbarese architectes
Desnoyers Mercure et associés
Menkès Shooner Dagenais Architectes
OVERVIEW
The Pavillons Lassonde of L’École Polytechnique de Montréal, two buildings now integrated into a single structure, cover an area of 32,750m2. The Lassonde buildings house a number of services, including the Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering departments and the IT Services of L’École Polytechnique. Classrooms are situated on the lower levels, while research and teaching labs are on the intermediate levels, with offices situated primarily along the structure’s periphery, where they benefit from natural light. Students, faculty and researchers also have access to a library, lecture halls, and meeting and seminar rooms.
The 10-levels of the structure are arrayed around an immense central atrium whose unusual contour makes transit between levels interesting and defines the interior space. The large-volume, complexly shaped rooms introduce an elaborate structural system. The reduced height of some floors alone required finely tuned management of the complex mechanical and electrical systems. This entirely new structure embodies a contemporary aesthetic: the dynamic lines of the overall space are enhanced by the composition of the principal materials used in the façades – glass and brick.
In addition, the innovative “green” building design has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) GOLD certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a coalition that promotes environmentally friendly buildings. The architects therefore integrated into their approach a desire to minimize the structure’s negative impact on the environment.
Energy Conservation Features |
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Other Sustainability Features |
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MEASURED
REDUCTION IN
ENERGY USE |
National Average Energy Use
Intensity (EUI):
1,696 MJ/m2 (471 ekWh/m2) |
Building's EUI:
790 MJ/m2 (219 ekWh/m2) |
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Heat recovery
A system is installed to recover heat from the boilers of the main building of L’École Polytechnique, and supplies about two-thirds of the buildings’ energy requirements.
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light wells
Despite the limited presence of windows on the south, east and west sides, the seven-storey building is distinct for its well-lit interior owing the light which floods into the atrium via two large light wells.
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Building Envelope
Calibration of the windows is directly related to sun exposure and the reduced need for air-conditioning.
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Rooftop Garden
Some of the rooftop has been planted as a garden and affords an unobstructed view of the city. The vegetative area consists mainly of clover, which acts as an air purifier by drawing nitrogen from the air.
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Products & Materials
The project materials were judiciously selected to favour materials that have been recycled, are locally supplied or minimize the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during building construction and occupancy.
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WATER CONSERVATION
Water for non-potable uses is drawn from nearby ponds further reducing use of potable city water.
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