Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur-de-Montréal

The essence of the project was initiated by the vision to create an innovative and contemporary environment at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur. Affiliated with the Université de Montréal, the hospital is one of the largest ultra-specialized trauma centres in Quebec. The expansion includes the Integrated Trauma Centre, a mother-child unit, the endoscopy unit, research and teaching activities in addition to the clinical practice. The abundance of natural light and views to the outdoors are pervasive throughout the building, promoting patient and user well-being. Appearing as a free floating volume above the lower levels, the patient block distinguishes itself from the lower levels by a predominantly masonry materiality that echoes the original 1926 heritage building. Composed of alternating vertical bands of solid masonry wall and curtain wall, the language allows for high energy efficiency in the envelope, and preserves the natural light and views from the interior spaces. The rhythmic pattern of openings in the envelope, combined with the intention to establish an optimal integration of the extension into its landscape and heritage context, takes on a resolutely contemporary form.