The « Ateliers d’habitation saine » is an environmental improvement demo project in these two community housing projects : “Le Coteau Vert” housing coop (75 units) and “Un Toit pour Tous” non-profit organization (75 units). The project is a 3 storey wood structure, divided in 8 buildings. The units have been designed for families (Le Coteau Vert) and small households (Un Toit pour Tous) located around a semi-private yard. The output budgeting was restrictive (approx. 100$/pi2) which required a construction planning rationalization (e.g. standardization of type units, torrefied wood siding on yard facades). We succeeded in integrating sustainable improvement measures (energy efficiency, hybrid heating/geothermy) and progressive systems (anticipation of green roofs and solar panels).

This construction, infrastructures and green measures integration quality improvement project, on the old Rosemont’s municipal workshop site in Petite-Patrie, Montréal, is located on a site that has been decontaminated by the City of Montreal. The creation of a non-profit service company is contemplated in order to supervise the owners’ interests, the sustainability management and reinvestment for this common energy, water and waste management infrastructure.

Following the promoters and L’OEUF’s representations, the “Société d’habitation du Québec” granted a 10% additional funding for the realization of innovative environmental improvements. These improvements include a geothermal heating system and an integrated management of rain water in the landscape.

In November 2009, the project was partially destroyed and damaged by arson. L’OEUF participated with other professionals and insurers to prevent additional damage following the sinister, and to determine the nature, the extent and the value of the damages incurred. This process is presently ongoing.