New reception pavilion at Saint-Joseph's Oratory | ELEMA

Client :Saint-Joseph Oratory
Architecture :Lemay

Located in the historic and nature-inspired district of Mount Royal, the Saint-Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal is a highly emblematic landmark in the city of Montreal. Welcoming more than two million visitors each year, it is one of the most visited sites in Quebec. By its iconic aspect, the project required an architectural and landscaped response made with finesse and respect. The result is a new contemporary and architectural identity for both Oratory users and Mount Royal lovers.

In addition to the concrete structure and the steel bell tower, ELEMA also carried out the structural design of the new skylight. We have designed a total of 12 glass compositions and geometries, together forming a large skylight and an underground walkway.

Technical challenges :

Design of a very complex building geometry that is spread over 6 levels embedded in the mountainside.
Integration and combination of a diversified materiality of the structural elements: steel, concrete, wood, structural glass and gabions.
Optimization of the steel structure of the chime (covered with glass) with a height of 25 m (82 ft).
Integration of green roofs and gathering spaces.
Mount Royal Stratigraphy and rock elevations for the construction of foundations.