Centre administratif de la MRC de l'Érable

The Administrative Center of the MRC de l’Érable stands out for its exemplary use of wood while meeting the demographic and economic growth challenges of the municipalities in Central Quebec. The Plessisville Center offers citizen services, a multifunctional Council room, and a welcoming, functional, and sustainable workspace.

The architecture of the Center is both flexible and forward-thinking. Thanks to a CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) structure with large spans, the workspaces can accommodate a 25% increase in staff without requiring modifications or expansion. The open and modular design is punctuated with meeting rooms that foster both focus and collaboration. This structural flexibility anticipates future needs while providing an optimal work environment for today’s requirements.

Spanning three floors, the Center promotes well-being through a spatial layout that keeps users in constant connection with the outdoors. Generous windows flood the offices with natural light, creating a warm atmosphere enhanced by the omnipresence of wood. Active mobility is encouraged by ergonomic staircases, while a central elevator ensures accessibility to all floors. Outdoors, the relaxation areas are oriented around a rain garden that enhances the site’s greenery while managing stormwater retention.

The choice of wood—a local resource—was central to minimizing the carbon footprint while maximizing grants. In addition to the solid wood structure, which optimized spaces and integrated biophilic principles, the exterior wood cladding, with its dual tones and textures, carves and segments the volume while highlighting the entrances. The light-colored wood shingle facade is discreet and shimmering, providing a neutral backdrop that showcases the region’s iconic maple trees encircling the building.