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Pavillon microréseau – Lac-Mégantic
By : Équipe A
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Public Building / Cultural Building : Gold Certification
Led by Hydro-Quebec and the city of Lac-Mégantic, the microgrid is a unique project that integrates a neighborhood-wide solar energy system to produce, store, manage and distribute energy for many buildings downtown. Besides being a multi-purpose shelter, the pavilion is also a technological showcase: it’s covered with 72 solar panels that power the heritage train station and the nearby electric vehicle charging station. A veritable living laboratory, the structure features a dashboard that tracks the production and consumption of solar energy in real time. Unveiled in December 2021, the pavilion also serves as a year-round gathering place for citizens.
The region’s archaeological heritage served as inspiration for the pavilion’s concept. It pays tribute to the first occupants of the Lac-Mégantic territory, evoking the Paleoindian-era spearheads discovered on the Cliche-Rancourt archaeological site. Reminiscent of the famous projectile tip, the triangular « V » shape is omnipresent in the pavilion’s design: it can be found in the points of the wooden structure, in the angles formed by the steel columns that are “spiked” in the ground, as well as in the shape and colors of the pavement, which represent the shards of rock leftover from carving the spears. The overall design evokes the connection between the ancestral technology used 12,000 years ago and the contemporary ecological technologies of the microgrid: both support a way of life in harmony with nature.
Since this project was devised with self-sufficiency in mind, the pavilion’s design had to comply with the requirements needed to optimize the performance of the solar panels, notably the surface area, the slope and the orientation of the roof. However, the design team also wanted to demonstrate that such a structure could contribute to the well-being of the community and fit attractively into an urban environment without dominating the landscape. The materials were selected for their esthetic qualities, but also their durability and ease of maintenance. It seemed particularly relevant to include wood and granite, which have long been the main drivers of the local economy and have a low ecological footprint.
Social acceptability efforts were an essential part of this project. Some citizens were reluctant to integrate the structure into the Parc de la Gare and were concerned that the pavilion would obstruct the view of the heritage train station and city hall. To avoid this problem and for better visual clearance, the structure was designed to be airy, creating a floating effect. The darker color and simplicity of the steel columns diminish their visual impact, accentuating the lightness of the roof, which by contrast looks brighter and warmer thanks to the use of glued laminated wood and warm-toned lighting on the underside. Incidentally, the lighting concept was designed to create a cozy atmosphere while also protecting the dark sky reserve of Mont-Mégantic.
Deeply rooted in sustainable development, this project raises awareness of sustainable energy and contributes to the advancement of its research. In addition to the environmental benefits, this project also has a tangible impact on the community, as it encourages citizens to get involved in sustainable endeavors and contributes to the quality of life of the locals who now have a gathering place for events and gatherings.
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