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Moulin de l’Île-Perrot
By : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Heritage Enhancement : Gold Certification
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Unclassified Category in Architecture : Silver Certification
This project is the result of a perfect equation between the immersive visitor experience and the preservation of traditional know-how. Every year, the site welcomes many curious visitors who come to discover the oldest mill still in operation in Quebec. This throwback into Nouvelle-France demonstrates the ingenuity of the mechanism of this small wood and stone construction, and allows visitors to be immersed by the sounds, smells and vibrations of the grains’ transformation into flour. Culturally paramount, this project promotes the implementation and transmissions of traditional construction methods and knowledge by highly trained craftsmen and professionals, thus contributing to the preservation and the enrichment of architectural expertise.
The windmill was built in 1707 by carpenter Léonard Paillé dit Paillard and master mason Jean Marset following a commission from Joseph Trottier Desruisseaux, then seigneur of the island.
Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes was commissioned in 2016 by SODEC, owner of the site, to undertake its refurbishment and restoration. At the time, the mill had been at a standstill for several years; a windstorm had broken off its wings and local wildlife was occupying the interiors. A rigorous evaluation of the existing components was carried out by architect Josette Michaud in partnership with miller Normand Pigeon. Despite certain components’ advanced state of deterioration, the quality and efficiency of the original assemblies could be recorded. The firm then oversaw the complete restoration of the windmill by prioritizing repair and reuse over demolition and replacement.
This heritage restoration project provided a rare opportunity to faithfully reconstitute the complex traditional parts and assemblies of a windmill.
Collaboration
Architect : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes
Engineering : Poincaré Experts-Conseils
Engineering : Plan A Experts-Conseils
General Contractor : Construction Jessiko
General Contractor : Rainville et Frères
Photographer : Raphaël Thibodeau
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