Quebec’s Origine to be tallest wood condo in North America

Artist’s aerial view of Origine in the Pointe-aux-Lievres ecodistrict of Quebec City.

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume were present on June 14 for the groundbreaking ceremony for Origine, a 41-metre, 12-storey condominium. The building is set to become the tallest solid wood condo tower in North America. It will also be the flagship building of the Pointe-aux-Lièvres ecodistrict, which is located along the waterfront in Quebec City.

The project received $1.175 million in funding under the Tall Wood Building Demonstration Initiative of Natural Resources Canada. It is also supported by the province, the municipality and research partner FPInnovations.

The structure consists of large cross-laminated timber above a concrete ground floor. Containing 92 units, the building will have natural-gas air and water heating, radiant floors, a smart garbage chute and views of the city.

Designers are Yvan Blouin Architects, with consultants WSP Canada, Génécor and  Groupe conseil SID. The project developers are the NEB Consortium (EBC, Nordic Structures and Synchro Immobilier).

To demonstrate the concept’s structural stability in the event of a fire, extensive analysis was carried out, paid for by the Quebec Ministry of Forestry, Fauna and Parks.

Jim Carr, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, said at the groundbreaking: “By supporting innovation and the use of new techniques in the construction of wood-based high-rise buildings, we are supporting the growth of a strong and competitive forestry industry…. Innovative, entrepreneurial ideas like these are integral to our fight against climate change.”

Origine, Quebec City.