An undertaking by architecture firm Aedifica, Cité Angus II, is part of the Technopôle Angus urban renewal project by Société de développement Angus (SDA). Located in Montreal’s Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie district, Technopôle Angus serves as a model for sustainable development, community revitalization, and affordable urban living.
Completed in 2023, the project—which features green spaces, dining options, local businesses, offices, and residences—is aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Gold certification.
From layout to materials, every aspect of the project aims to promote quality of life, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and community development. The project innovated to overcome several challenges, including the absence of a diverse building context along with the need to maintain unique identities for each building, and fitting a dense program into a constrained site with an unconventional shape. Block 4, also known as Cité Angus phase II, is six-storeys with 88 condominiums and two commercial spaces facing a public square.
To meet various design goals, the building’s outer shell was crafted with two distinct approaches based on its location: exterior facades facing the urban context and those overlooking the interior courtyard. Inspired by the area’s industrial history, the exterior facades feature a metal mesh skin echoing balconies’ rhythm, enhancing connectivity to Parc Jean-Duceppe. This metal mesh, acting as both a railing and a privacy screen, extends around the building, enlivening its architectural dynamics. Conversely, the facades bordering the inner courtyard prioritize natural light, interrupting continuous walkways to maximize apartment illumination. Removing the perforated metal reveals the building’s split volumes, defining its identity. Light-coloured metal cladding contrasts with vibrant copper railings, creating a striking visual against the public interfaces’ more subdued materials.
The housing units are designed for versatility, reflecting pandemic-induced shifts in work-life balance. They vary in levels, layout, and accessibility. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems promotes a healthy environment. Additionally, the shared heating and cooling system among buildings in the Îlot Central ecosystem reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 26 per cent.
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