Reducing the pollution caused by home renovation to zero is almost impossible, two Montreal architectural researchers noted with disappointment at the end of a project full of pitfalls. This experience, however, provided them with possible solutions to improve the industry’s carbon footprint.
For a major renovation project, it is very often easier and less expensive to make a clean slate and rebuild with new materials, recognize Alexandre Landry and Bechara Helal, both teachers at the School of Architecture of the University of Montreal. (UdeM).
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Bechara Helal with architect Alexandre Landry. Both are professors at the architecture school of the University of Montreal.
Stripping an apartment, even partially, allows you to rearrange the space to the owner’s taste, to purchase new elements from a wide variety of suppliers and to keep a certain control over your budget and schedule.
The environmental impact of this approach is, however, very heavy, because most of the debris usually goes to fill landfills, recall MM. Landry and Helal. Only a small fraction of the materials are reused in the project or sent to recyclers. The production of new materials adds to the carbon footprint.
“In addition, there is a loss of heritage. When we tear down all the partitions, we lose the richness of the art of living in these Montreal apartments from a certain era,” says Alexandre Landry.
But, realistically, is it really possible to do it any other way?
SKETCH PROVIDED BY ALEXANDRE LANDRY
With general contractor 3/4 Fort, the team sought to create maximum effect with minimum demolition
To find the answers to this question, the two academics convinced a couple from Villeray, wishing to undertake a major renovation of their triplex, to try an experiment called “The circular duplex”.
“The idea was to emphasize the reuse of certain constructive elements and the reuse of certain materials removed from development or available in reuse centers,” explains Alexandre Landry.
Like acupuncture
-
SKETCH PROVIDED BY ALEXANDRE LANDRY
Another objective: reuse of certain constructive elements and the reuse of certain materials removed from development or available in reuse centers.
-
SKETCH PROVIDED BY ALEXANDRE LANDRY
The pilot project, in a series of sketches
1/2
The two owners of the triplex, built at the end of the 1920s, were toying with the idea of expanding their home by combining their apartment with the one in the basement. With three growing children, the need for space became a necessity.
The couple was initially interested in the social and environmental scope of the circular project.
Alexandre Landry, architect and researcher at the UdeM School of Architecture
A general contractor renowned for its environmental approach, L’Atelier 3/4 fort, has also shown interest in the project. A rare thing in the construction field, he joined the team from the design stage. “We were able to benefit from the sensitivity and local expertise of this entrepreneur,” rejoices Bechara Helal.
By mutual agreement, the team looked at how to create maximum effect with minimum demolition. “Alexandre calls it architectural acupuncture,” slips Mr. Helal. We took action at specific locations in the building. »
For example, the location of the original rooms was preserved to avoid the addition of columns and beams. “Strategic openings were instead cut out to create greater fluidity without creating a large open area,” explains Alexandre Landry.
“In this way, we retain the initial character of the building, but we add features and bring in more light,” he continues. Ultimately, we demolish less than in a standard project. »
Stations of the Cross
The pitfalls nevertheless multiplied during the project.
From the start, the designers had difficulty determining where to act on a nearly century-old building without knowing what was hidden within the walls and partitions. A few unforeseen events forced adjustments or the resolution of design problems, they admit in their research report.
The contractor then experienced supply problems in the recovered materials centers. Elements initially planned were no longer available once at the production stage.
The family’s budget also did not allow for the bespoke furniture suggested to exploit the potential of certain elements of the apartment, such as the arch in the double living room. The owners preferred to buy new, less expensive standard furniture. The idea of reusing elements, such as building the kitchen island from old cabinets, was also scrapped.
Finally, gypsum partitions were preferred to removable partitions in the basement, “although these do not fit in with the circular interventions initially envisaged,” we read in the report.
The work, which began in May 2022, was completed last February.
Lessons learned
Alexandre Landry does not hide his disappointment.
“The project does not respect the concept of circular economy,” he concedes without throwing stones at the owners of the triplex. “Obviously, the obstacles are still too present to achieve this objective. »
The experience was nevertheless rich in learning, he hastens to add, listing a series of possible solutions: financial incentives for interested owners, a digitized directory of the circular supply chain, inclusion clients from the design stage of each project…
“With L’Atelier 3/4 fort, we also want to develop plug-in furniture to show to clients, such as storage or office functions added to arches. Or even stairs that provide storage space,” illustrates the architect, who wishes to find owners willing to take part in a second research project.
From a long-term perspective, Alexandre Landry and Bechara Helal hope to undo the popular perception that recycled architecture is of lower quality.
“We are still looking for our bearings. This experience allowed us to see what is blocking us on the ground. These lessons will serve us well next time,” concludes Mr. Helal.