Îlot Balmoral is the Headquarters of the National Film Board of Canada. This building enhances the architectural landscape of downtown Montreal and its clear façade, divided by a red slash, exemplifies the vibrancy of the city’s entertainment district.
Glass used on this project
The building’s award-winning design also serves as a testament to the 20-year partnership between fabricator Multiver and supplier Guardian Glass.
Designed by Provencher Roy and glazed by Group Lessard, the 13-story, mixed-use office building is LEED Canada-NC Gold certified. It features Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral 68 coating on UltraClear low-iron glass and clear glass.
Multiver has for years turned to the Guardian Glass Analytics Performance Calculator to compare and evaluate Guardian SunGuard low-E coated glass. In this project, the fabricator used the digital tool to review multiple makeups.
The architect landed on SN 68 coating on UltraClear glass and clear to achieve the desired balance of performance and aesthetics for the building. When paired with UltraClear glass, SN 68 provides 71% visible light transmittance and 0.39 solar heat gain, which helps support high levels of daylight throughout interiors while helping to reduce solar heat gain to enhance occupant comfort.
The versatility of Guardian UltraClear low-iron glass offers the following for the project:
- Offers the clarity the design required
- Provides a suitable surface for visual projections on the side of the building during special events in the outdoor space
- Supports the visual contrast of the red ceramic frit and contributes to maintenance of its appearance over time
Project details and accolades
From the building’s red accent to its full-height atrium, the design provided a unique fabrication challenge because the façade employed more than 500 different glass sizes. Multiver’s recent production upgrades supported the project’s complexity, and the result is a notable addition to Montreal’s cultural district.
“Multiver’s key strengths are in their quality, consistency and the work they do to build relationships,” says Sam Malty, Guardian Glass territory sales manager.
“We’ve been in business for more than 50 years, and we’ve taken the time to learn IG systems and our customers. We’re proud of the close partnerships we’ve cultivated,” says Multiver President Luc Cormier.
Îlot Balmoral has been honored with several architecture and design awards:
- Guardian Glass Commercial Project Award
- ARCHITECT Architecture & Interior Award
- Architecture MasterPrize Best of Best Award
- LOOP Design Award
- MIPIM Best Real Estate Project Award