Humaniti Sales Complex
Additional Info
Award Winner : Corner Cast Construction Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Corner Cast manufactured and installed this modular complex comprised of 4 x 45' shipping containers in the spring of 2018 in Montreal, Canada. The complex boasts a high end architectural finish, hardwood and black marble flooring, two sun decks and glass facades surrounding the structure. The client elected to keep the steel exterior to create a juxtaposition between the industrial container and the high end interior finish. This sales office is representative of the overall look and feel of the Humaniti development which will contain a hotel, commercial & retail space, as well as a large condo complex.
The layout is split into two sections with the downstairs being the reception, sales area, mechanical room & staircase. And the upper 2 modules a high end showroom to demonstrate the project to potential clients & collaborators.
This modular complex is currently functioning as the central hub of activity prior to the completion of the project, and will be re-used as a residence.
Design Firm Name : Maurice Martel Architect
Occupied Date : 4/20/2018
Owner Firm Name : Cogir Developments
Production Start Date : 2/1/2018
Project Location City : Montreal
Project Location State Name : Quebec
Total Square Feet : 1440
Green Building Description : All shipping containers in this project were used in shipping prior to converting the units into this complex. Although there are visible imperfections in the corrugated steel, the client did the value the recycling aspect.
The complex was also designed to use natural light for heating & comfort within the units through its orientation & use of window facades on all sides. The high level of insulation and air tightness of the containers of R-30 made the energy efficiency of the building surpassed local code requirements in order to ensure thermal comfort & low operational costs.
All lighting is high efficiency LED, the windows were all zone D certified & ventilation systems are energy star rated.
The containers will also enjoy a "third life", when the project will become a residential single family home in 2020 when the development is complete.
Technical Innovation : All units were built within the factory in Montreal and transported to site in mid April 2018.
The installation of the complex was completed over a 100 foot excavated pit which created some interesting challenges on site.
A steel support structure was manufactured & installed to support the modules which protruded 10' over the cliff. Safety equipment was custom manufactured to enable the crew to safely install the containers, balconies & roofing.
The modules are cantilevered over two floors for architectural effect and to create balcony space. This meant all openings needed to line up perfectly on site which was a challenge with the 10’ modular staircase being built directly into the first floor shipping container. With the natural container structure no longer being aligned, additional reinforcement and connections had to be created.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The installation is re-locateable, and the container durability in combination with being pre-designed to be re-used at a later date which creates a more cost effective structure.
Also, because this complex was installed over the pit, the client did not need additional space downtown for their sales operations, and did not need to sacrifice any construction area on their site.