The new library’s primary goals are to modernize the municipality’s cultural services, address current environmental challenges, and resolve the flooding issues associated with the site. It is designed to become a central hub for citizen services, a place for social and intergenerational interaction, and a venue that promotes cultural accessibility for both residents and visitors. Named in honor of Monica C. Gratton, a key figure in the cultural and community life of Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, the library serves as a “third place” and contributes to revitalizing the municipality’s downtown area.

Our approach was to envision the library as a living institution. The architectural concept provides a flexible framework that can evolve over time. We believe that the building’s presence should be rooted in its surroundings rather than serve as a showcase of architectural style.

The design draws inspiration from the site’s natural DNA, highlighting the mountains, lakes, and forest. With this mindset, the architect’s intention is to create a dynamic and purposeful sense of movement. Two geometries converge in the proposed volume. A sloping roof, characteristic of regional architecture, and a curve that echoes the sinuous lines of the mountains and lakes.

Located at the northern entrance of the village, the building stands out as a landmark within the scenery. Positioned perpendicular to the road, it creates a forecourt that can host village activities. The side entrance, marked by a colonnade, gently guides visitors and students from the nearby school into a calm, introspective environment. Generous windows transform the open space with the changing seasons, offering a close connection to the outdoors and the richness of the natural setting. Inside, a wooden “canopy” shelters and comforts visitors as they read.

To optimize energy efficiency, the building’s volume is kept simple and compact. The roof form establishes a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding mountains and the built morphology along the main road. As a result, the roof reveals a distinctly sloped profile from one perspective and a sweeping curved form from another, emphasizing the building’s dual geometric expression. The parabolic roof, beginning at a high point and gently descending, is supported by a solid wood structure covered with tin-plated copper. This material follows the curve seamlessly and is installed in the traditional Canadian roofing pattern.

Thanks to the Municipality of St-Adolphe d'Howard and Cima+ (project manager).

In collaboration with:
Structure and civil engineering - Parallèle 54
Mechanical/electrical engineering - Ambioner
LEED certification - Vertima
Project management - Cima+
General contractor - Groupe Laverdure

Photo credits - Raphael Thibodeau