Completed according to a “fast track” schedule, the structure meets the most rigorous sustainable development standards and is certified LEED Silver. The main features of this innovative green project are:

• The reclamation of 75 % of an industrial heritage building’s structure (existing walls, floors et roofs);
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems offering an energy efficiency rate that is 50 % greater than traditional new buildings;
• Large windows that open, allowing occupants to benefit from natural light and ventilation;
• The reuse of nearly 80 % of materials such as the metal plates and grillwork adorning the reception areas;
• The use of new materials (adhesives, paints, carpeting, composites, plaster) and furnishings that contain recycled materials, are recyclable, non-toxic and emit no volatile organic compound;
• Building located near a metro station and bus stops and equipped with a secured bicycle hangar and locker rooms, allowing users to take advantage of alternate means of transportation;
• The recovery of recyclable and compostable materials;
• Plumbing fixtures offering a 30 % reduction in water consumption;
• Landscaping that does not require irrigation.

[Claude-Simon Langlois]

In addition to LEED NC-Silver certification, 780 Brewster garnered the following awards:

• Énergia Award, Existing Building – Other Sectors (10,000 m² +) Category, Association québécoise pour la maîtrise de l’énergie | 2009
• Intérieurs | Ferdie Award, Sustainable Development Category | 2009
• Finalist, Award of Excellence in Architecture, Category: Recycling and Conversion, Quebec Order of Architects | 2009
• Finalist, Urban Development Institute of Quebec’s Real Estate Awards of Excellence | 2007

[Claude-Simon Langlois]

Official Project Name: 780 Brewster
Location: 780, av. Brewster, Montréal (Québec)
Client Name: Groupe Mach
Project Team: Louis T. Lemay, Partner in Charge; André Cardinal, Architect, Senior Partner – Project Manager; Pierre E. Leclerc, Senior Architect, LEED AP; Sandra Neill, Associate Designer; Chantal Ladrie, Designer; Marie-Élaine Globensky, Graphic Design And Signage

[Claude-Simon Langlois]

General Contractor: Construction TEQ inc.
Engineers: Bouthillette Parizeau & Associés (electro-mechanical engineering) and les Consultants Gemec inc. (civil/structural engineering)
Sustainable Development: Lyse M. Tremblay, architect, LEED AP
Area: 12,000 m²
Construction Cost: $12M
Project Delivery Date: February 2007
Photographer: Claude-Simon Langlois