Chevalier Morales

Located in the heart of the Laurentides region, the Mont-Laurier Library site constitutes an accessible and inclusive public space surrounded by trees and mountains. It strategically connects the main artery to the commercial avenue of Rue de la Madone, positioned at the gateway to downtown from Route 117.

The project's tectonics are deeply rooted in the historical narrative of the Laurentides, which passes through the early development of the forestry industry in Quebec. Wood is thus a prominent feature throughout the library, highlighting the heritage this raw material represents for the Hautes-Laurentides and its residents, as well as the strengths and unique characteristics of the local wood industry, resources, and ingenuity.

The project received significant support from the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks through the Green Construction through Wood program. Its innovative design of a square-frame reciprocal wood structure developed in collaboration with the structural engineers at Latéral constitutes a first for a new institutional building in Quebec and Canada.

Developed and optimized to stand as a full-scale prototype of an entirely reproducible and factory-prefabricated system, the innovative reciprocal framework concept aligns with a vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction. Favorizing material reuse, the system envisions a green and flexible way to redefine a building's use over time.