The first net-zero store in Canada, Maison Simons wanted to continue its action outside. The green grid, a visual attraction combining pedestrian traffic and safe vehicle access, reduces heat islands. Also, several planting zones have been added thus reducing the asphalt area. Moreover, we can find the triangular pattern of the store front in the arrangement of the plantations. In addition, a relaxation area has been set up on the side to promote access to the outdoors for employees and users. All of this gives a movement that breaks the rigidity of a parking lot, without however reducing accessibility to the store.

In this arrangement, everything has been thought out to maximize the experience of relaxation, tranquility and well-being. Although located in an urban location, the environment created brings customers back to the sources of nature. In line with the architecture of the place, opening onto the river was essential, both for the clientele, but also for the public, whose access to the river is possible via a pedestrian path around the health center.

A prestigious multi-residential project, where the choice and quality of materials have been carefully selected. Respect and conservation of trees were essential factors in this development where the boreal aspect is very present.

The mandate was to proceed with the restoration of a riparian strip. To keep the soil in place, and to filter runoff water, special attention was paid to the choice of trees and shrubs.

In addition, the variety of plantations creates shade for the natural habitat of the fish, thereby preventing unnecessary heating of the water and the proliferation of blue-green algae. To maximize the restoration of the riparian strip, the area is delimited with ropes and a few posters inform passers-by.

The watchword for this project: a low-intervention environment. Therefore, the layout remains simple, blending in with the woodland around the building, embellished with native plants requiring little maintenance, and an advantageous integration of parking lots.

This housing project located in the heart of the Pointe-aux-Lièvres eco-district in Quebec City has obtained LEED certification, the highest Canadian energy and environmental distinction! This certification required a thinking on the origin and durability of the inert materials and plants that were selected. We also wanted to create a living area in the inner courtyard promoting sociability. To do this, we have landscaped the courtyard with gardens, a playground and a rest area to promote community life. We proposed materials with a high reflectance and suggested green roofs in order to limit heat islands. The choice of plants was made in such a way as to favor native plantations and we replaced the grass with ground cover. Finally, we have been able to carry out sound water management for all the developed spaces.

For the municipality of Stoneham, in collaboration with Tergos Architecture, we had to redevelop this existing park into a multifunctional space for the families of the municipality. We supported the client, from start to finish, by offering a park with different circulation areas, a soccer field, a pump track, water games, different play areas, a pétanque area, street furniture, lighting, access paths to the river and planting areas.

Although several elements have been added to the park, the “nature” aspect of the site has not only been respected, but also underlined using materials that blend perfectly with the environment. The residents of the region therefore have the opportunity to have a place that is fun, functional and promotes relaxation.

The Mü is a multi-residential complex in the heart of Quebec, on Laurier Boulevard. In order to make the exterior and common spaces more intimate, the building completely surrounds the interior courtyard. Thus, it seems to be like a bubble in which it is good to live, since we create a separation from the noise and hustle and bustle of the city. A swimming pool, a fireplace, vegetable gardens and a pergola are set up in this interior courtyard to provide residents with a multitude of activities and sharing spaces. The vegetation is mainly composed of grasses, which, with their very light and volatile form, contrast with the immensity of the building and the very urban environment of the city. In order to resolve the problem of rainwater management in urban areas, a large valley was built on one side of the building. In this way, the water that accumulates in the impermeable parts of the city will reach these vegetated ditches, in order to take the time to infiltrate into the ground. Vegetation supporting submerged roots was planted in these spaces.

As part of this project, Nvira carried out the preliminary plans and the execution plans in Landscape Architecture for the very first residence for elderly people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the Lebourneuf sector in Quebec.

This completely innovative concept requires specific features in both interior and exterior design. Thus, it is with this particularity that our professionals have proposed safe landscaping meeting criteria for promoting quality of life and stimulating activities, in an environment adapted to this disease. The landscaping provides different paths, rest areas, street furniture, play areas, vegetable gardens and thematic spaces to stimulate memories.

As part of this project, Nvira carried out a project for the municipality of L’Ange-Gardien. We had to redevelop the main entrance to City Hall. We supported the city in this project from start to finish. The proposed development enhances the central architectural axis of the built heritage while retaining its vehicular parking space. The exterior stairs are accompanied by flowering and nodular vegetation to direct the eye towards this entrance