Bibliothèque du boisé
Bibliothèque du boisé
2014
Cultural
2015
Designing a modern and accessible cultural space was at the heart of the urban development project for the Bibliothèque du Boisé, located in the Saint-Laurent borough. Envisioned as a place open to the world and integrated with its immediate surroundings, this building combines innovation, functionality, and sustainability.
The Bibliothèque du Boisé stands out for its contemporary architecture and smart spaces that encourage discovery and learning. Its exhibition center and museum collection, in partnership with the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec, make this place a true cultural hub where heritage and creativity come together.
A Model of Innovation and Environmental Performance
At the time of its certification, the Bibliothèque du Boisé was the largest LEED® Platinum-certified project in Quebec, a first that has since inspired hundreds of other sustainable initiatives.
Its design concept emphasizes a holistic approach where technology, energy efficiency, and user well-being come together to create an environment that is both high-performing and welcoming.
Pioneering in many ways, the Bibliothèque du Boisé is the first building in the City of Montreal to use exclusively geothermal energy for heating. This technology allows it to generate zero greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reduce electricity demand, while ensuring optimal comfort for its users.
less energy is consumed compared to a building designed according to the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)
less water is used by the building compared to the LEED® reference building
tonnes of CO₂ equivalent are avoided each year thanks to the building’s energy choices and performance
Geothermal Energy and Site Geometry
The limited space had to accommodate a parking lot, two retention basins, and the geothermal field, while respecting the minimum distances required for its efficiency. Our team had to navigate these constraints to integrate a high-performance geothermal system while ensuring stormwater management and compliance with LEED® requirements.
Natural Light and Open Spaces
By maximizing natural light and minimizing partitions, the architect gave the building the impression of a ‘modern cathedral,’ with 75% of the spaces glazed. Covering 6,476 m² across three levels, gbi designed a system capable of redistributing heat from the large windows throughout the building, ensuring uniform thermal comfort while maintaining optimal energy performance.
Comfort, Air Quality, and Energy Performance
The Bibliothèque du Boisé serves users with diverse needs: children, adults, and administrative staff. Each space has specific requirements: floors serve as active areas for children, while offices require stable thermal comfort for staff. Our team therefore developed a system capable of adapting to each use, while minimizing energy loss and preventing the creation of heat islands around the building or in parking areas.
Walkway, Roof, and Advanced Management
The white roof and green roof limit heat accumulation, but the wooden walkway connecting the building to the wooded area serves as an extension of the public space and must be equipped with fire protection systems. Furthermore, the complexity of the building’s technical systems requires precise management by operators, ensuring that the technology enhances the user experience while maintaining the building’s performance, comfort, and safety.
A Prestigious Distinction
The Bibliothèque du Boisé was awarded the 2015 Excellence Prize by the Ordre des architectes du Québec, a recognition highlighting the exceptional quality of its design, its harmonious integration with the park, and its innovative approach to sustainability. This award underscores the coordinated work between our team and the architects, as well as the project’s ability to combine functionality, aesthetics, and environmental performance.
