Projects / St-Roch Community Center
A community centre rooted in its neighbourhood and open to the city
Conceived as a place of convergence and vitality, the new community centre offers a bright, welcoming environment that is deeply connected to its urban surroundings.
A strong anchor within the urban fabric
Located in a dense sector where Québec City’s Lower Town and Upper Town meet, the project occupies a strategic position between the stunning views of the cliff and the lively rhythm of the Saint-Roch district.
This unique context creates a continuous dialogue between the building, its immediate surroundings, and the urban life that shapes the neighbourhood.
A concept inspired by the cliff and its strata
The architecture of the community centre draws directly from the adjacent rock face. Its geological layers, shifting shadows and highlights, and varying degrees of opacity informed the project’s form and materiality. The horizontal expression of the floors, the cantilevered volumes, and the modulated glazed façades echo this natural presence and contribute to a renewed urban landscape.
A versatile program serving the community
The building spans five levels — including two below grade — dedicated entirely to recreation, well-being and community programming.
A pool, gymnasium, studios, and multipurpose spaces unfold with great transparency, allowing activity to be perceived from within and reinforcing the centre’s role as a gathering place. Two additional floors house rental office spaces, adding a mix of uses that enhances the vibrancy of the site.
A clear commitment to sustainability
In addition to its proximity to public transit, the project was driven by a shared ambition to exceed energy-efficiency standards. The building integrates several exemplary strategies: a high-performance envelope, optimized natural light, integrated natural ventilation, extensive use of durable, low-emission materials, and a reduced ecological footprint achieved through the reuse of an existing structure.
This holistic approach reflects a responsible vision and a continuous pursuit of energy efficiency and high-quality interior environments.
A place that celebrates local creativity
The sobriety of the materials and the clarity of the spaces create room for artistic expression. Works by local creators — including a mural by Fred Jourdain and an installation by Tania Girard Savoie — enrich the architectural experience and reinforce the cultural dimension of the centre. These contributions root the building in its history while affirming its role as a new gathering place for the community.