La Pêche (Quebec, Canada) has constructed a new townhall that was designed for the future. The dramatic two-story structure is comprised of solid wood, both inside and out, and presents an impressive facade on the main street of the community. And it incorporates the latest innovations in sustainable construction. With its forthcoming Passivhaus certification - an international standard that guarantees optimal energy efficiency – it will be the first Passivhaus-certified institutional building in the province of Quebec.
The municipality wanted this building to not only be a positive work environment for its employees, but also a welcoming and accessible space for local citizens. It features various functional spaces, including a council chamber, administrative offices, and a large multi-media room.
Quebec architects BGLA architecture + design urbain were hired by the town to bring this progressive project to reality. Guided by Nordic-style design principles of passive solar architecture, the building's form is a simple rectangle with the long side oriented east-west. A double-height hall and its sculptural staircase form the heart of the space.
Illumination in this central area is provided by two Hollowcore HC2800 high bay pendants from Luminis. With a unique circular LED light engine, advanced optics, and semi-opaque diffuser lens, each luminaire delivers a powerful 23,000 lumens of uniform light down to the reception desk and public areas below.
Due to their location in the vaulted ceilings, the oversized 30" diameter pendants can also be seen from above, from the second-floor walkway. Hollowcore’s unique design enables an airy open center concept, making it aesthetically attractive from above and below.
The townhall’s south-facing wall is primarily glass, with unobstructed views of the Gatineau Park hills in the distance. On the second floor, this wall is lined with employee workstations. Smaller Hollowcore HC1600 pendants, at 19" in diameter, provide illumination for the workspaces. The luminaires deliver 6300 lumens down, but because of the pendant's unique open center, there is no glare, even when working directly below the fixture.
Designers opted for a custom color for all Hollowcore luminaires: RAL 3011, Brown Red coordinates with surrounding furnishings. It also contributes to the overall warmth provided by the wood ceilings and trim.
All Hollowcore pendants are suspended from the vaulted wood ceilings with aircraft cable and a silver power cord. Each serves to blend into the background, so the focus is on the stylish luminaire.
La Pêche’s townhall is already winning awards, including recognition from the Ordre des architectes du Québec. Awards or not, the building will be a source of pride for the municipality and its residents for the foreseeable future.
