Sustainable architecture in the heart of nature: new project at Parc national du Mont-Tremblant

Enhanced service for users of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant

The new service building is located in the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Pimbina-Saint-Donat sector, near the municipality of Saint-Donat. It offers services to users of the Lac Prévost beach, including boat rental and storage for nautical equipment. A rental office is also available to park employees, and accessible sanitary facilities complete the facilities.

An innovative design for three seasons

Designed for use over three seasons – spring, summer, and autumn – the building is not heated in winter. This guided the choice of materials, favoring those that resist cold and humidity. The integration of large windows maximizes the entry of natural light and strengthens the link between inside and outside. Windows on three sides of the rental counter offer employees a 180-degree panoramic view of the beach. In addition, the warehouse space benefits from natural ventilation, facilitating the drying of nautical equipment.

Authentic materials and nature-inspired design

Wood, the iconic material of Canadian chalets, was favored for the structure as well as for exterior and interior cladding. A metal roof with wide overhangs provides shade and creates a covered outdoor space equipped with a water fountain and bench, serving as a waiting area for users. The choice of sober colors and textures harmonizes with the natural context of the site. Anthracite cladding allows the building to blend into the surrounding dense forest, while vertical wooden slats echo the rhythm of the trees. In contrast, the warm, light-colored wood used for the exposed structure and soffits welcomes users while dialoguing with the color of the surrounding blond sand. The rustic style is sublimated by the addition of contemporary materials such as corrugated steel and aluminum, selected for their durability.

A universally accessible building

Given the park’s growing popularity in recent years, one of the project’s objectives is to make the sanitary facilities and water access accessible to people with reduced mobility and a diverse family clientele. To this end, a rubberized mat facilitates movement on the beach.

This project is in line with the mission of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), which aims to preserve and enhance natural and cultural environments for the benefit of present and future generations.