For those who still doubt the longevity of wood in construction, did you know that the oldest wooden structure still standing is over 1,400 years old? The Buddhist temple Hōryū-ji, located in Ikaruga near Nara Prefecture in Japan, was built in 607—and it still stands with remarkable elegance. Other examples, such as the Stalekleivloftet storehouse or the Heddal Stave Church in Norway, built respectively around 1100 and 1250, are also far from recent.
Closer to home, the Jesuit House of Sillery, built in 1637, is the oldest surviving timber-framed building in Québec. By comparison, the oldest steel-framed buildings date only to the late nineteenth century, such as the Banque du Peuple building at 55 Saint-Jacques Street in Montréal, constructed in 1873.
For nearly 250 years, all construction in Québec relied exclusively on wood and stone. Today, we are fortunate to still be able to visit and admire several buildings from that era featuring timber structures. These buildings are precious witnesses to ancestral know-how that continues to impress through its quality and ingenuity. As buildings from this period become increasingly rare, those that remain grow ever more valuable and deserve to be celebrated.
On March 25, the Prix d’excellence Cecobois ceremony was held, recognizing Québec’s finest wood construction projects. On this occasion, STGM received the Heritage Award for the consolidation project of the Nouvelles Casernes in Québec City. In his acceptance speech, Michel Boudreau of STGM rightly emphasized the essential role played by artisans in the success of this exceptional heritage project—a reality that applies to all restoration projects.
By its very nature, wood is an ideal material for restoration and reconstruction projects. Examples include the reconstruction of the Québec City Armoury and the South Wing of the former Séminaire de Nicolet (ENPQ). Beyond the use of wood itself, however, the Nouvelles Casernes project highlights above all the invaluable expertise of master carpenters—professionals who, even in the age of 3D digitization, point clouds, and virtual reality, possess the knowledge and skill required to reconstitute the treasures of our past. This expertise is precious, and it is our responsibility to cherish it, protect it, and promote it.