Built sustainability, the head office of Canadian firm STGM

Quebec-based Canadian architecture firm, STGM is renowned for the sustainability of its buildings and now it can work out of its own visually striking calling card in Beauport, close to the eco-district of Estimauville with its new office building constructed on the site of an old gas station that was decontaminated prior to construction.
The STGM head office is intended as a manifesto of the firm's modus operandi and the team has pooled all their expertise gained in sustainable design in this single project that is now seeking certification to LEED-NC Platinum, the highest level of “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” classifications.

They have adopted a great number of solutions to achieve this target, and the result is a 1000-square metre, two-storey building with a dynamic but timeless appearance, focusing on the comfort and well-being of its users.
This means not just using long-lasting, low environmental impact building materials, sourced regionally as much as possible, like the certified wood, but also putting extra care into reducing energy needs: the building consumes 60% less energy than others of the same size, because it has a heat recovery system, a solar wall that preheats fresh air and home automation strategies, or 86% of the interior receiving natural light, just to name a few aspects.

Another important part of the overall project is saving potable water by using low-flow features and rainwater to flush the toilets.
The new STGM office building in Quebec is therefore tangible proof of sustainable architecture in addition to welcoming rooms on a human scale and an attentive combination of attractiveness, comfort and environmental awareness. 

Christiane Bürklein

Project: STGM
Location: Quebec, Canada
Year: 2015
Photography: © Stéphane Groleau – Courtesy of v2com