Share to
Restoration of the Westmount Conservatory
By : Affleck de la Riva, architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Unclassified Category in Architecture : Platinum Winner
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Heritage Enhancement : Gold Certification
Perpetuating the Genius Loci. An emblematic element of the identity of Westmount dating from 1927, the Palmhouse or Westmount Conservatory is one of the finest examples of Victorian greenhouse construction in North America. The restoration of this seriously deteriorated heritage structure was realized with a high level of craftmanship: structural elements, assemblies, building fabric, and details were all respectful of the original structure. The project also re-examines the plantation basins, integrating them within a new interpretation circuit.
The attachment of Westmount residents to this unique historic building was a key element of the restoration strategy. The interventions were carried out with attention to detail, seasonal enhancement of blooms, and in a spirit of minimalist intervention. The new layout of the conservatory interior offers a unique garden promenade, addresses the client’s accessibility concerns, and extends like a quay, floating above the plantations.
The interest of the constructive system. The building is the work of Lord & Burnham, a company founded in 1899 which made its mark with ornamental Victorian glasshouses, many of which are among the most prestigious in North America. In Canada, Lord & Burnham glasshouses include the Montreal Botanical Garden, the greenhouses of Rideau Hall and the tropical greenhouse of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. The Westmount greenhouses bear witness to an era and a know-how that this restoration project perpetuates.
Between ornamentation and industrial structure. The architecture of the Conservatory is economical in means and attention is paid to every detail. Curved roof to wall junctions are typical. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these curves manage the condensation present in a greenhouse, favoring the movement of air and preventing the accumulation of water which forms at the base of angled canopies. As an adaptation to northern climates, these curves also prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. The Lord & Burnham signature is also recognizable in various ornamental elements inspired by Victorian architecture, such as the decorative entrance canopies and the detailed woodwork of roof gables. The narrow and particular shape of the wooden mullions, as well as the glass laid in scales, optimize the entry of natural light.
Adaptation to programming and accessibility. The program of the restored Conservatory distinguishes itself from the more specialized vocation of a utilitarian greenhouse in its accommodation of new uses which have developed over time: spaces for meetings, events, interpretative lectures, musical recitals, and wedding photos. The restored Conservatory also provides an interior, weather-protected universal access between two adjacent buildings, the Community Center and the Westmount Library.
Compliance with high environmental standards. The project is sensitive to the idea of addressing heritage, social, and economic issues in an integrated manner. The project designers developed a long-term vision of a greenhouse that is at once a community amenity and an exemplary environmental project. This thinking represents a shift in service delivery towards an approach that considers the life cycle of the building and the long-term commitment of the client. A comprehensive energy-efficiency strategy was developed by our project engineers by specifying such innovative equipment as heat pumps, a redundant boiler, radiant floors, and a specialized misting system.
Collaboration
Architect : Affleck de la Riva, architectes
Landscape Architecture : HETA Hodgins et associés
