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Le 628 Saint-Jacques
By : NEUF architect(e)s
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Apartment & Condo ≥ 10 storeys : Silver Certification
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Concrete : Bronze Certification
628 Saint-Jacques sits at the heart of Square Victoria, in the Quartier international de Montréal (QIM) district. The 36-storey tower features more than 250 units, as well as commercial space on the ground floor, a gym on the third floor, and a roof patio with a panoramic view equipped with a swimming pool—the above grade in Montreal at the time it was designed. The new construction stands above a 1907 heritage building, whose façade on Square Victoria has been entirely restored, and the one on Gauvin Street rebuilt.
The project design draws inspiration from the Art Deco style of the surroundings and respects the alignments and proportions of its neighbours. A visual distinction is made between the podium and the upper floors: the former is in dialogue with the heritage context thanks to its ornamentation, and the latter is in line with the contemporary metropolis and distant cityscape by its clean lines and abundant fenestration.
The façade features several types of custom-built concrete panels, bearing different textures and hues. The panels were treated with sandblasting and are available in two versions:
– the first with a white cement base, to which beige pigments are added;
– the second with grey cement combined with black pigments.
The combination of a light shade for the load-bearing elements and a darker shade for the frames creates a contrast all the while refining the silhouette of the composition.
Laminated natural stone (Beauval limestone from Europe) was incorporated into the podium panels for a better integration into the heritage context. Special anchors fitted to the back of the stones, combined with insulating membrane, have allowed for the production of high-quality, high-performance components, reducing construction time.
1:1 scale models were used to validate the choice of shades, textures and finishes. A detailed study of the technical components (in particular the construction of the joints) enabled the ventilation grilles to be discreetly integrated and the joints to be concealed. The final composition emphasizes the verticality of the construction.
