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Nouveau siège social Équipe Laurence
By : TLA Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Commercial Building / Low-Rise Office Building (< 5 storeys) : Silver Certification
Categories : Special Award / Sustainable Architecture : Platinum Winner
In order to erect its new head office, the civil engineering firm Équipe Laurence has acquired a plot of land of approximately 116,000 m2 in Ste-Adèle. This practically unused land, preserved integrally at 94%, is also adjacent to an infrastructure with unique eco-energy potential: a wastewater treatment pond. A technology inspired by the concepts of hydrothermal and geothermal energy has therefore been specifically designed to heat and cool the building with this water.
The production of green energy from greywater
Having a unique eco-energy potential, this open-air pond contains a mixture of domestic wastewater composed of mixed discharges from toilets and various sanitary appliances. Similar to traditional geothermal energy that benefits from heat exchange with the ground, a 200-meter tunnel was drilled between the mechanical room of the building and the pond to install conduits filled with glycol. In winter, the microbiological activity that takes place continuously in the basin, combined with the constant influx of new wastewater, makes the water temperature warmer than in a lake. The temperature of the basin is then sufficient to heat the entire building thanks to a second loop of glycol in a network of radiant floors. In summer, it is the heat from the building that is transferred to the glycol. By circulating the conduits in the pond, the heat dissipates and the glycol returns to the building cooler.
Topographically responsible architecture that is offered to nature
The building is spread over 3 levels and makes good use of the existing topography. The parking areas have also been designed based on existing topographic plateaus, at the expense of a more Cartesian layout that would have required deforestation. With a small footprint of 626 m2, the building is oriented towards nature and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The main entrance is marked by a frank retaining wall symbolizing the client\\’s field of expertise. The offices are bathed in natural light through curtain walls. At twilight, they reflect the surrounding vegetation and remind visitors of its omnipresence. The 2nd floor is distinguished by its relaxation areas that extend on both sides. They offer passing views that culminate in a partially covered terrace with glimpses of Mont-Gabriel.
Aiming for LEED and SITES certifications, the building uses a hybrid structural system composed of a steel frame on which a glued-laminated timber deck rests. Coupled with the addition of radiant floors, a high-performance building envelope, and the specification of low-consumption appliances, these sustainable decisions contribute to an energy performance 32% higher than the reference standard while allowing for a 60% reduction in potable water consumption.
At TLA Architects, this achievement is part of a corporate commitment to participate in impactful projects within Quebec society.
Through this project, Équipe Laurence is at the forefront of economic development in the Laurentians region and redefines standards for workplace quality in an era where well-being at work has never been more important.
Collaboration
