Caisse de Dépôt Complex

Background & Project Details:

The three-building CDP Capital Center office complex, encompassing a total of 720,000 square feet, was built in 2003. In June 2016, the Centre CDP Capital was renamed Édifice Jacques-Parizeau, as a tribute to Mr. Jacques Parizeau for his exceptional contribution to the economy of Québec and the creation of the Caisse de Dépôt et placement du Québec, the central offices of which are housed in the building. Édifice Jacques-Parizeau is pure state-of-the-art in terms of energy efficiency. The double skin wall optimizes the use of energy and the raised flooring allows for better circulation of ambient air. The higher shade coefficient in the sintered glass used for the atrium in the Parquet area reduces penetration of heat-generating rays. This helps regulate and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This building is LEED Gold - Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, and BOMA Best - Platinum Certified. The head office of the Caisse de Dépôt is comprised of 3 inter-related buildings: 1) The Palace square: 13 floors, 2000 m², 2) The Viger building: 10 floors, 1600 m², and 3) The Victoria building: 10 floors, 1,700 m².

Why Somfy?

The complex’s facade is made entirely of glass and allows for optimum entrance of natural light into the offices. To ensure continuous visual comfort for occupants by avoiding glare and excessive sunlight, every office has been equipped with motorized blinds. In 2003, automated solar shading solutions were installed using Somfy LT50 ILT motors and Lon-Works control solution. Sixteen years later, the motorized solar shading throughout the complex was upgraded to a quieter solution that is more modern and more automated. The client chose Somfy because of the reliability and quality of Somfy powered products, as well as the high quality of service. Buildings are expected to last and perform for decades; having experienced the benefits of Somfy powered motorized shading solutions since 2003 and the performance of the system, this was a very easy decision to make.

The Team

The project demonstrated a strong collaboration between Altex, Somfy, and Engie (property/facility management for CDP) to deliver a solution that was simple to use for building occupants but sophisticated enough to consider the level of natural sunlight at all times. Whether the incoming light is direct exposure or a reflection from another building, the sensors were designed within the building space to accommodate all possible scenarios. This was completed with expert consultation from Somfy specifications, Altex Architectural and Somfy Project Services for design documentation, commissioning and training.