The NFOE / HCMA consortium, comprised of NFOE et associés architectes from Montreal and HCMA Architecture + Design from Vancouver, announced that it has been awarded the Complexe Aquatique de Laval through a juried design competition. The design, which was unanimously selected from four finalists, was unveiled to the public at a ceremony held on January 18th in Laval, Quebec.

“We are tremendously honored by the opportunity to further explore and develop aquatic architecture on this special site in Laval,” says Darryl Condon, Principal Designer for this project and Managing Principal at HCMA.

The destination facility will offer a unique experience for recreation and competitive swimmers alike. The team looks forward to seeing it come to life in the coming years.

Design Concept

The new aquatic complex will be a striking circular form that transforms its site into a vital civic centre. The winning proposal is based on three primary objectives – maintaining the vitality of the site’s ecosystem as an essential part of the city’s network of forested areas, creating an experience of swimming within a forest, and developing a scheme based on efficient use of resources.

Tucked into an existing clearing adjacent an urban forest, the design’s primary conceptual thread is creating a close relationship with nature. Through careful placement of the building and the considerate layout of the three primary pools, patrons will have the experience of swimming in nature. Through carefully considered glass walls and skylights, the experience will be of filtered and dappled light. The forest and natural light is brought deep into the heart of the building with a “natural” roof terrace and controlled glass openings.

Clear circulation throughout the building supports the primary project goal of experiencing the natural surroundings. Interior pathways offer unexpected views toward the pools and the exterior forest. The building is not “next to nature”, it is part of it. Its shape, structure and skin are designed to celebrate the forest.

Its circular form supports an efficient use of floor area that allows portions of the site to be restored as an extension of the neighboring woodlot and the remaining area to be developed into a meaningful civic plaza. The entrance provides a clear understanding of circulation, views into the recreation pool and forest beyond, and the ability to enjoy a public plaza serviced by the proposed ground level café. The layout supports a wide range of activities. The recreation pool is separated from the competitive 50m pool and 25m dive tank giving flexibility to how the facility can be operated and controlled. Permanent and temporary spectator seating is available and each benefits from the exposure to natural light and the experience of being within the forest.

The facility has ambitious sustainability goals and targets LEED Gold certification, maximizing energy-efficiency as well as water conservation and highlighting the importance of protecting of natural ecosystems. Wood will be highlighted within through both structure and finishes.

About HCMA Architecture + Design

HCMA Architecture + Design challenges the traditional boundaries of architectural practice by asking one question. “How do we achieve the maximum positive impact through design?” That curiosity leads to technological innovations, valuable community engagements, and ultimately to positive changes in people’s lives. From planning and design, to consultation and evaluation, HCMA takes projects beyond what’s expected, and beyond what’s trending, to deliver places that maximize potential. www.hcma.ca

About NFOE et associés architectes

Founded in 1912, NFOE et associés architectes maintains to this day a long tradition of its commitment and contribution to the development of Montréal. Over the years, the firm has developed a specialization in the design of complex and sophisticated facilities that require a thorough understanding of programmatic requirements, flexible design approaches, and the seamless integration of architectural and technical considerations. NFOE is recognized as one of the leading architectural firms in Quebec and Canada in the design of facilities for the life sciences and high-tech industries. Their goal is to achieve an architectural response that transcribes into built form our client’s core and cultural values and objectives, be respectful of its context and environment, responsible to the time and true to the materials and assemblies.

www.nfoe.ca

Credits:

Address: Terry-Fox Avenue, intersection with Édouard-Montpetit Street, Laval, Quebec, Canada

Client: City of Laval
Architects: consortium NFOE / HCMA

Principal Designer (HCMA): Darryl Condon

Sponsoring Architect (NFOE): Rafie Sossanpour

Project Manager (NFOE): Christine Hudon

Landscape Architecture: Projet Paysage Inc.

LEED Architect: Éco-Architecture Inc.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: Dupras Ledoux Inc.

Structure and Civil Engineers: Les services exp inc.

Certified Estimator (NFOE): Richard McGregor

Images: City of Laval