canadian discovery center by smith-vigeant showcases local timber
photo by stéphane brugger
all images courtesy of smith-vigeant architectes

 

 

 

canadian practice smith-vigeant architectes has constructed a discovery center in the mont-tremblant national park that offers expansive views of lake monroe and its surrounding hills and mountains. the scheme is composed of three distinct components: an amphitheater, a discovery zone and an ancillery space for service facilities.

 

in order to showcase the qualities of the region’s natural materials, the structure is formed by a continuous band of rustic timber that unfolds into walls, a roof plane and a floor sheltered by a large canopy. a wide variety of wood species were used on both exterior and interior surfaces, offering the design a sense of durability and resistance.

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the discovery center offers expansive views of the neighboring lake monroe
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the structure is formed by a continuous band of rustic timber
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the welcoming reception lobby
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the use of local wood is continued inside the design
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the scheme is composed of three connected components
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
an tiered amphitheater sits at the heart of the plan
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
external views are provided from inside the structure
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
an external area of recreation
photo by stéphane brugger

smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
the discovery center’s connected volumes
photo by stéphane brugger

 

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smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 
smith vigeant architects discovery centre mont-tremblant designboom
 

 

project info:

 

project name: centre de découverte du parc national du mont-tremblant
location: mont-tremblant national park, (QC) canada
name of client: SÉPAQ
architects/designers: smith vigeant architectes
architect in charge: daniel smith, architect, OAQ, LEED
design team: daniel smith, anik malderis, julien gouin-charbonneau, karine renaud, cindy neveu, stéphan vigeant
engineers: CLA experts-conseils & martin roy et associates
landscape architects: VLAN
contractor: CRT construction inc.
lighting design: smith vigeant architects, martin roy et associates, EDP inc
project size: 600 sqm
cost: $2.8m CAD
completed: 2014
photography: stéphane brugger