Chalet Parc Decelles

Montreal
Institutional,
Heritage,
Réal Paul Architecte
2018

Innovation Built on Tradition

The expansion and redevelopment of the Decelles park chalet and upgrading of the outdoor swimming pool, carried out by Réal Paul Architecte has brought the site back to life, while respecting and enhancing its original architecture.

Located near the Côte-Vertu and Du Collège metro stations in Montreal, Decelles Park, with its 14,028 m², boasts a number of sports facilities, including a chalet built in 1964 by architect Maurice Major. 

With its sober, functional design, the chalet's architecture already reflected its function as a park pavilion, integrating open, luminous spaces that had undergone few modifications, with the exception of a roof refurbishment in 1996. This modernization project has maintained this approach while updating the facilities to meet contemporary needs.

A LEED Gold certified project

The architectural intervention involved expanding the chalet by 1,720 sq . ft. while redeveloping 5,500 sq. ft. of the existing space, with particular attention paid to visual and material continuity. New functionalities, such as modernized checkrooms and accessible washrooms, were integrated in harmony with the original design. The chalet retains its open spaces, particularly in the lifeguard area, and maximizes natural light thanks to the original high windows, a key element of the initial architecture.

The reorganization of the interior spaces sought to optimize circulation and user comfort, while creating a welcoming, bright entrance to the skaters' room. The building's architecture retains the functional logic of the period, while integrating contemporary elements of comfort and accessibility.