Tall & Urban News

A new development by ACDF Architecture known as Panorama has been unveiled. The 30-story retirement complex is to be located on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies in Sainte-Dorothée, Laval, Quebec.

The first of four seniors’ residences developed in collaboration with Réseau Sélection, Panorama is set to be a 286-unit complex, consisting of three structures with 206 apartments, 48 ​​condominiums, and a 32-room treatment unit.

The development will boast panoramic views of the nearby river and, further south, a glimpse of Montreal’s Mount Royal. Rising above the landscape, otherwise devoid of elevated structures, Panorama is a landmark on the horizon.

The east and west façades are to be made of prefabricated concrete panels, and windows staggered from one floor to another, with the addition of contrasting side panels. On the north and south sides, linear balconies, concrete panels, and dark windows punctuate the building and contrast with the clear windows of the east and west façades.

Covered in anthracite granite, Panorama is steeped in a two-story podium hosting several common areas, fitness amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, gym, yoga room, bowling alley, golf simulator and petanque court, and various dining areas.

Unlike the exterior of the building that rests on contrasts, the interior of the tower was organized and designed around the concept of directness, focusing on the creation of links between residents to break any form of isolation. The rounded corners and fluidity of the interior of the building create architectural contrasts with the rectangular shape of the tower. A two-story horizontal atrium serves as an entrance to the podium with all-natural wood ceilings and walls.

The third element of Panorama is the 32-room treatment unit. Unlike traditional institutional facilities, Panorama’s care unit offers a loop course that allows for patient movement, instead of typical linear and dead-end corridors. Built horizontally on two floors and encircling the courtyard of the podium, the treatment unit features natural light from the huge windows and courtyard.

For more on this story, go to ACQ Construire.