Earthy luxury for a new community hub in Quebec
A model of public infrastructure, Espace Citoyen des Confluents achieves high efficiency and aesthetic appeal, in part thanks to sustainable ALPOLIC ZCM.
Project: Espace Citoyen des Confluents (Confluents Citizen Space), Laval, Quebec
Architect: Cardin Julien
Fabricator: Panneaux 3D
Installer: Groupe RHR
General Contractor: Groupe Geyser
Supplier: Exterior Technologies Group
Finishes: ALPOLIC® /fr RZZ Red Zinc in 6mm
Espace Citoyen des Confluents defines a true “third place” for residents to relax, socialize and learn. This dynamic facility outside Montreal houses modular meeting rooms, a library and auditorium, and a police station. Since its completion in 2024, the center has won praise from locals and the global design community.
Thinking Zinc… Composite Materials
Architects at Cardin Julien took inspiration from the site’s natural surroundings to achieve environmental balance and maximum efficiency. Zinc, popular in green architecture for its high performance, topped the list of desired materials. The design called specifically for a red finish.
Materials supplier and ALPOLIC Diamond Dealer Exterior Technologies Group, presented the designers with ALPOLIC’s earthy Red ZCM from the PIGMENTO® line in the Zinc Elements series, which offered lighter weight, greater flexibility, and cost savings. Panneaux 3D fabricated over 9,700 square feet, or 901 square meters, of 6mm panels for the upper floor envelope and vertical and horizontal louvers framing the windows.
“Anything is possible in design, but it must also be buildable,” explains Daniel Morin of ETG. “We offer field expertise in functionality.” Coordinating the fins in front of the curtain wall, transporting and installing the panels, integrating with the glasswork, these are all nuanced steps that take collaboration and communication. “It wasn’t a typical panel job.”
Espace Citoyen des Confluents - Laval, QC
Award-Winning Design
Cited for its sustainable design and inclusive community values, Espace Citoyen des Confluents was awarded the 2025 Global Architecture & Design Award in the Public Building (Built) category. The project also received recognition at INT.DESIGN’S 18th Grands Prix du Design in the following categories:
- Public Building/Cultural Building: Gold certification
- Public Building/Institutional Building: Gold certification
- Special Award/Architecture + Climate Change: Silver certification
- Special Award/Sustainable Architecture: Gold certification
The team at ETG is thrilled with the results. “Red Pigmento zinc was really new for us. Novelty in finish opens doors. When you walk into an architect’s office with something truly different, like colored zinc, it starts a conversation,” says Morin.
The ALPOLIC ZCM Advantage
ALPOLIC’s colorful PIGMENTO®, dramatic Anthra ZCM, and elegant Quartz Zinc options offer the same allure of pure zinc in an easily fabricated composite form, so there’s no compromise on design. Our free AIA CE course on anodized and natural metal composite materials answers your questions about ZCM and natural-metal advantages. Connect with the Sales Manager in your region to schedule a presentation for your firm.
Espace Citoyen des Confluents - Laval, QC
