The specified slider does not exist.
In the village of Péribonka, on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean in Chicoutimi, Quebec, a groundbreaking $17 million tourist development project called Espace Péribonka is taking shape. This contemporary complex, designed by Maîtres d’Œuvre Architectes (MDO), seamlessly integrates history and culture into a multifunctional space, overcoming architectural challenges and receiving accolades for its innovative design.
The project is part of a significant multigovernmental investment aimed at revitalizing the Péribonka tourist site. This includes the creation of a multifunctional complex, a new fire station, and the rejuvenation of the Louis-Hémon Museum.
MDO played a pivotal role in preserving and renewing existing structures, notably transforming a designated church into the museum’s new home. The preservation efforts extended to the relocation of Maison Samuel-Bédard, a historic home, to a protective courtyard within Espace Péribonka, achieved through collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Culture.
One of the major challenges was addressing environmental considerations inherent to the site’s location along a major regional access road. The design team, with a commitment to transparency, implemented a glass curtain wall as a showcase for the new library.
To mitigate direct sunlight, custom sunscreens, developed in collaboration with Sollerti, protect the interior while maintaining panoramic views. The result is a glass curtain wall that not only provides transparency, but also offers views of the Péribonka River, enhancing the architectural balance within the built heritage.
Environmental conditions played a crucial role in material selection for the structures. Steel was strategically used for reinforcement, while locally sourced and sustainable wood, such as laminated spruce, was applied abundantly. The esthetic incorporation of black Péribonka granite at the base pays homage to the regionalist architecture of the Saint-Édouard de Péribonka church, creating a harmonious link between the rebuilt environment and the contemporary new volume.
Addressing noise pollution from the nearby busy regional road, MDO implemented a low-lying barrier wall, showcasing the firm’s commitment to ensuring the site’s tranquility.
The project has been widely lauded for its design and innovation, earning recognition as a finalist for a Municipal Leadership Award from the Federation of Quebec Municipalities, and an urban planning award from the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
