This project is a North American first, implementing a wood structure within an innovative regulatory framework under Quebec’s Building Code. Glulam was chosen for its structural fire performance and its natural aesthetic, which fosters a warm, comfortable work environment.

The expressive structure sits atop a modest historic building, extending the rhythm of the original façade. Each column was diamond-cut to reduce its visual weight while preserving its load-bearing capacity, contributing to the articulation of the new intervention within the existing framework.

The entire floor is equipped with a raised access system, creating a pressurized plenum that frees the ceiling and exposes the wood decking. This technical void houses all mechanical services and facilitates future maintenance. Assembled at a height of 20 metres over a six-week period, the success of the construction is directly tied to close collaboration between professionals, the contractor, and tradespeople, aligned with the client’s ambition to set a new precedent.