Saucier + Perrotte
Saucier + Perrotte Architectes is an architectural firm based in Montreal, Quebec. The firm was founded in 1988 by architects Gilles Saucier and André Perrotte, and is known for designing institutional, cultural and residential projects.
The firm's portfolio ranges from single family homes, such as Résidence dans les Laurentides, to major institutional buildings, such as the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, and the Communication, Culture and Technology Building at University of Toronto Mississauga.
Saucier + Perrotte represented Canada at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2004. It has received more than 100 awards for their work, including the RAIC Gold Medal in 2018, and nine Governor General's Medals in Architecture. The firm believes in the symbolic and physical aspect of the architectural setting; merging architecture, landscape, and geology together.
the firm comprises a small team of fewer than 20, with Gilles Saucier as the Design Partner and André Perrotte as the Project Architect.
History
Gilles Saucier and André Perrotte met in the School of Architecture at Laval University in the early 1980s. They both earned their Bachelor of Architecture degrees from the university in 1982. While working together in Montréal for Cayouette et Saia, they decided to start their own practice. In 1988, they founded Saucier + Perrotte Architectes in Montreal, Quebec.The firm’s projects range from small buildings, such as the Guest House in the Laurentian Mountains, to institutional buildings, such as the Communication, Culture and Technology Building for the University of Toronto at Mississauga and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario.
In 2004, Saucier + Perrotte Architectes represented Canada at the Architecture Biennale of Venice.
Design Approach
The firm emphasizes the symbolic and physical importance of the architectural setting; merging architecture, landscape, and geology into one. Their designs often depict and capture the nature and mood of what is happening inside, through shapes, materials, and colours.Most of their projects, such as the Anne-Marie Edward Science Building, UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, have achieved LEED certification.
Projects range from single family homes to neighbourhood redevelopment and master planning, from pavilions, museums, and theatres to residential complexes, from product designs to interior designs.
Founders
Gilles Saucier
Gilles Saucier grew up in the countryside, interested and inspired by the nature and trees surrounding him. He previously studied biology in university, however, 2 years in, he switched into architecture. His drawing teacher referred him to an architecture professor, who accepted him on the spot.Gilles Saucier received his architectural degree from Université Laval in Quebec City in 1982. Saucier is responsible for the overall design of every project. Aside from design, Saucier is an avid photographer. Photography helps refine his approach to architecture.
Since 1989, many universities in North America have invited him to be a guest lecturer and critic, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Montreal, University of British Columbia, University of Seattle, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is currently a course lecturer at the McGill School of Architecture.
André Perrotte
André Perrotte received his Bachelor of Architecture at Laval University in Quebec City in 1982. Perrotte is responsible for coordinating the design and construction process steps, as well as managing the dossier of every client. Perrotte works with Saucier to design and communicate information between all design processes. Perrotte manages multidisciplinary teams, from costs to schedules, control to production, and techniques to construction systems. He approaches construction as a contemporary cultural expression.Perrotte has been invited as a guest critic and lecturer by many Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Montreal, McGill University, and UQAM.
Projects
Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Sports Complex)
2017, Montreal, CanadaIn collaboration with HCMA Architecture + Design.
The Saint-Laurent Sports Complex is located between the character neutral and horizontally formed Émile Legault School and Raymond Bourque Arena. The Sports Complex design had to physically and visually connect with Marcel Laurin Park, and the green band running along Thimens Boulevard.
The two natural environments in the urban context is linked through both steel sculptural buildings. The translucent, white, and prismatic building, contrasts the black, horizontally stretched building, while inviting pedestrians on the Boulevard inside, and providing a passage for the park for the pedestrians. The two volumes give a floating impression to elicit the various activities taking place inside. The ideas of movement and energy are showcased by the building’s composition.
Stade de Soccer de Montréal (Montreal Soccer Stadium)
2015, Montreal, CanadaIn collaboration with HCMA Architecture + Design.
Previously known as Miron Quarry, a mining centre, and finally a landfill, the city is now restoring the ecology and environment of the site. The Stade de Soccer de Montréal appears as a layer of mineral stratum, expressed by the roof, from the park’s artificial topography. The architect’s goal was to bring a spectrum of people together, under one roof, unified by sport.
A continuous roof cantilevers over the plaza entrance, folding down over the indoor soccer field, and reaching to the ground to become outdoor spectator seating for the field. The stadium provides both options of an indoor soccer centre and an open-sky stadium to cater to its users’ needs. The stratum is made with a single gesture of Cross-Laminated Timber to support the roof. The roof’s interlaced beams appear erratic, suspended over the site; however, its density is determined by the areas where more structural support is needed.
Anne-Marie Edward Science Building at John Abbott College
2012, Montreal, CanadaThe Anne-Marie Edward Science Building is in the John Abbot College campus, in a rural setting along Lake Saint-Louis.
The design stems from its landscape, with its L-shaped design surrounding an ancient ginkgo tree. The building’s form creates a courtyard for the purpose of celebration, protection, and reflection of the tree. In response to the campus layout, the building was orienting southwest, accommodating those who travel to and from its central void. The north façade is cladded with COR-TEN steel, relating alongside to the red-bricked historical buildings. Inside, the architects designed the central staircase to be a sculptural and abstracted version of a tree, with branches of stairs spanning into its laboratories, classrooms, and offices. The large atrium allows the landscape to flow through its tall, vertical glazed walls, letting in natural light. The building’s glass material palette reflects the surrounding context, with different glass tones of light and dark grey, and white juxtaposing one another.
UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD
2012, Vancouver, CanadaIn collaboration with HCMA Architecture + Design.
The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is in the heart of UBC’s campus, designed to act as a gateway for students travelling to the southeast part of the university.
The building design is conveyed through the concept of a tree. The architects designed interconnected meeting spaces to strengthen and promote new methods of individual and collaborative research, for the researchers, professors, students, and the community. Similarly, a tree grows branches that intertwine to create a unified system above the earth. The branch system of the building is represented by floating canopies, hanging over the ground level. With its conceptual tree trunks, natural light permeates through the atria into collaborative spaces. The façade is constructed of glass and steel, while the interior is constructed with wood cladding, cast concrete, white walls, and yellow and black accents.
Scandinave Les Bains Old Montreal
2009, Montreal, CanadaScandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal is situated in Old Montreal and overlooks the Old Port. The building, formally known as a warehouse, was restored half a century ago due to fire damage and now houses an urban spa on its ground level.
The spaces were inspired by the duality of the hot and cold phenomena, with white, glacial volumes contrasting the warmth radiating off the volcanic rocks. The walls, ceiling, and floors are slightly angled to heighten the visitors’ awareness with their surroundings. Like natural topography, small slopes are created by the small undulations in the ground, leading to the basins of bathing water. The undulating wood-cladded ceiling continues throughout the spa. Architectural reveals result from the white marbled walls meeting with the warm-coloured wooden ceiling. Natural light glows through the translucent glass in the building’s existing openings.
Résidence dans les Laurentides (Residence and Guest House in the Laurentian Mountains)
2007, Montreal, CanadaNear the ski hills of Mont-Tremblant houses this single-family residence and guest house. The Private Residence and Guest House in the Laurentian Mountains contains three main volumes – living, eating, and sleeping. The residence consists of three bedrooms, living areas, a recreation room, a sauna, and a screened outdoor living room.
Within the folded landscape, a private exterior space is created from the north façade and a three-meter-high rock outcrop. Erosion caused the volumes to drift to the side; formally parallel to the residence, the guesthouse slid westwards, separating from the main mass of the home. The design takes on the wooden elements from the site, as well as implementing traditional architectural elements local in the area. Tones of brown, green, and grey, as well as rough wood cladding imitate its surrounding nature.
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
2004, Waterloo, CanadaLocated on the shore of Silver Lake, North of Waterloo’s downtown core, sits Perimeter Institute.
The design is inspired by theoretical physics - information rich and complex in concepts. A large pool to the north of the institute reflects the cantilevered, three-storey series of zinc-and-glass offices. The anodize aluminium south façade contains an abstract pattern of punched windows and polished stainless-steel mechanical grills, reflecting the enigmatic subject of physics. The layout is arranged around two central spaces, the main hall and garden. The main hall provides direct access to all programs, with vertical circulation from the concrete staircases descending along one side of the atrium. Wooden ceilings of lounge spaces contrast the glass and concrete materiality of the atrium.
Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga (CCIT Building)
2004, Mississauga, CanadaAt the edge of the university’s campus, enclosed by a park and a courtyard garden, sits the CCIT building. The building is a place of occupancy, adjacency, and transition, as it creates a linear public circulation space between the Student Centre and the Library.
The concept was to bring the natural landscape through the building, into the courtyard garden, and through to the campus. The fully transparent glazed façade diminishes the line between the interior and exterior. Conceptual strands of landscape are vertically woven throughout the structure, connecting students and spaces together through bridges, ramps, platforms, and staircases. The building provides open and interactive spaces for its occupants, classrooms, and the outside environment.
Jardin des Premières Nations (First Nations Garden-Pavilion)
2001, Montreal, CanadaWithin the Montreal Botanical Garden, this outdoor pavilion, built along the primary garden passageway, was built in commemoration of the Great Peace of Montreal of 1701.
The design of the First Nations Garden Pavilion showcases the customs, traditions, and knowledge of the First Nation peoples. The pavilion signifies the connection between site and building, acting as a link between the spruce and maple areas of the forest around it. The thin, undulating, concrete roof shelters the exhibition, restroom, boutique, and office spaces. The pavilion’s exterior spaces are integrated into the surrounding environment through the minimal design of vertical surfaces, leaving an open terrain between the building and the site.
Cinémathèque Québécoise
1997, Montreal, CanadaBuilt into the gap of two existing buildings, the design of the Cinémathèque Quebecoise demonstrates the relationship between the old and new, interior and exterior, and actor and audience.
The “light box” entrance from de Maisonneuve Boulevard explores the qualities of film through its light-weight steel frame structure and illumination. A gridded glazed screen cantilevers over the sidewalk, while laterally extending to the restored, historical, stone and brick façade of its neighbouring building. The lateral extension forms a ramp walkway for people to move through the building. Videos and images are projected onto the translucent segments of the glass screen, for pedestrians to view. Thus, silhouetted images of those walking on the ramp behind the screen are projected onto the glass façade.
Other projects
| Year | Project |
| 2019 | River City Toronto Phase 3 |
| 2017 | Stikeman Elliott |
| 2017 | Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent |
| 2015 | River City Toronto Phase 2 |
| 2015 | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2014 | Lofts on St-Urbain |
| 2013 | River City Toronto Phase 1 |
| 2012 | Anne-Marie Edward Science Building at John Abbott College |
| 2012 | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2011 | Cahier d’Exercices |
| 2010 | Michel Brisson Boutique, 1074 rue Laurier West |
| 2010 | Denis Gagnon Shows All |
| 2010 | Philippe Dubuc Boutique in Quebec |
| 2010 | Thompson Residences |
| 2009 | Scandinave Les Bains Old Montreal |
| 2008 | Schulich School of Music and Marvin Duchow music library, McGill University |
| 2007 | Residence and Guest House in the Laurentian Mountains |
| 2007 | Michel Brisson Boutique, 384 St-Paul Street |
| 2007 | 7043 Waverly, Office of Saucier + Perrotte architectes |
| 2007 | 1973: Sorry, Out of Gas |
| 2006 | Philippe Dubuc Flagship Store in Montreal |
| 2004 | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2004 | Found Objects, 2004 Venice Biennale of Architecture |
| 2004 | Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga |
| 2004 | DOTS Light |
| 2003 | Jet Films Offices |
| 2003 | Théâtre Sans Fil |
| 2003 | Michel Brisson Boutique, 1012 Laurier Street West |
| 2003 | New College Student Residence, University of Toronto |
| 2001 | First Nations Garden Pavilion |
| 2001 | Childhood Landscape / Topographical Unfolding |
| 1999 | Gérald-Godin College |
| 1999 | Orbite Hair and Beauty Salon |
| 1998 | The Montreal Garden in Shanghai |
| 1997 | Université de Montréal Faculty of Design and Planning |
| 1997 | Cinémathèque Québécoise, Museum of Cinema and Video |
| 1995 | Usine C / Théâtre Carbone 14 |
| 1994 | Cossette Agency |
| 1991 | Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui |
| 1991 | Théâtre du Rideau Vert |
Awards
The firm has received two International Architecture Awards, three P/A Progressive Architecture honours, and 9 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. In 2009, the firm received the RAIC Award of Excellence for Best Architectural Firm in Canada, as well as a 2018 RAIC Gold Medal.| Year | Award | Project |
| 2018 | Governor General’s Medals in architecture – Stade de Soccer de Montréal | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2018 | Governor General’s Medals in architecture – Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent | Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent |
| 2017 | Design Excellence Award from the Ontario Association of Architects | River City Toronto |
| 2017 | Excellence Award, Ordre des architectes du Québec, Bâtiment civique, Winner | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2017 | American Architecture Prize, Winner in Recreational Architecture | Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent |
| 2017 | Design Award for Excellence in Steel Construction, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Institutional Project, Winner | Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent |
| 2017 | ‘Award of Merit’, Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence | River City Toronto |
| 2016 | Wood Design Awards, Honor Award | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2015 | AZ Awards finalist / Residential Architecture Multi-Unit | River City Toronto |
| 2014 | P/A Progressive Architecture Award Citation 2014 de Architecture Magazine | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2014 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | Wallpaper Magazine Design Awards 2013 / Best Lab | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | OAQ Grand Prize of Excellence in Architecture | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | Architizer A+ Award Pop Winner | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | Ontario Association of Architects Best in Show Award | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | NWCB Outstanding Project | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | ACEC British Columbia Awards for Engineering Excellence | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | AICQ Structural Design Award | Anne-Marie Edward Science Building at John Abbott College |
| 2013 | Ontario Association of Architects Award Of Design Excellence | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | Lieutenant Governor Award of Merit in Architecture | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2013 | Grand Prix du Design FERDIE 2013 / Educational | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / CDRD |
| 2012 | Interior Soccer Centre SMEC First Prize Winner 2012 | Stade de soccer de Montréal |
| 2011 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Retail Spaces | Michel Brisson Boutique, 1074 rue Laurier West |
| 2011 | First Prize Winner SLSC 2011 | Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent |
| 2011 | OAA Award Of Excellence 2011 | Scandinave Les Bains Old Montreal |
| 2011 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Commercial Architecture | Boutique Michel Brisson, 1074 rue Laurier Ouest |
| 2011 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Commercial Architecture | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2011 | AZ Awards / Best Commercial Space | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2011 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at CDRD |
| 2010 | BILD Award 2010 / Best Building Design – High Rise | River City Toronto |
| 2010 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2010 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Retail spaces | Boutique Philippe Dubuc Québec |
| 2010 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Résidence dans les Laurentides |
| 2010 | International Architecture Award presented by the Chicago Athenaeum | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2009 | Prix Design Exchange 2009 | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2009 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Interior Design | 7043 Waverly, Agence Saucier + Perrotte architectes |
| 2009 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Project of the Year | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2009 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Spa Prize | Scandinave les bains, Vieux-Montréal |
| 2009 | Canadian Architect Award of Merit | Anne-Marie Edward Science Building at John Abbott College |
| 2008 | International Architecture Award presented by the Chicago Athenaeum | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2008 | Prix intérieurs FERDIE / Office Spaces | Boutique Michel Brisson, 384 rue Saint-Paul Ouest |
| 2008 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Office Spaces | 7043 Waverly, Agence Saucier + Perrotte architectes |
| 2008 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga |
| 2008 | Grand Prix Créativité Montréal / Office Spaces | 7043 Waverly, Agence Saucier + Perrotte architectes |
| 2008 | Grand Prix Créativité Montréal / Boutiques | Boutique Michel Brisson, 384 rue Saint-Paul Ouest |
| 2008 | Grand Prix Créativité Montréal / All Categories | Boutique Michel Brisson, 384 rue Saint-Paul Ouest |
| 2007 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE | 1973: Désolé, plus d'essence |
| 2007 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Lighting Award | Boutique Philippe Dubuc Montréal |
| 2007 | Prix Intérieurs FERDIE / Retail Spaces | Boutique Philippe Dubuc Montréal |
| 2007 | OAA Award for Design Excellence | Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga |
| 2007 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga |
| 2007 | Mississauga Urban Design Award of Excellence | Communication, Culture, Information and Technology Building, University of Toronto at Mississauga |
| 2006 | AERMQ Award of Excellence | Schulich School of Music & Marvin Duchow music library, McGill University |
| 2006 | ArchiZinc Award / Paris | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2006 | Grand Prix Créativité Montréal | Boutique Philippe Dubuc Montréal |
| 2006 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2005 | Building Magazine Out of the Box Award | Théâtre Sans Fil |
| 2005 | Building Magazine Out of the Box Award | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2005 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2005 | OAA Award of Excellence / Institutional | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2004 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Residence Prud’Homme Dulude, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec |
| 2003 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Jardin des premières nations |
| 2003 | Best of Canada / Canadian Interiors Award | Boutique Michel Brisson, 1012 rue Laurier Ouest |
| 2002 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Jardin des premières nations |
| 2001 | Architecture Magazine PA Award | Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics |
| 2001 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | New College Student Residence, University of Toronto |
| 2000 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Jardin des premières nations |
| 2000 | Orange Prize / Renovation “Sauvons Montréal” | Collège Gérald-Godin |
| 2000 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Honourable Mention | Salon Orbite |
| 2000 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Collège Gérald-Godin |
| 2000 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Grand Prix of Excellence | Collège Gérald-Godin |
| 1999 | Governor General’s Medal in Architecture | Cinémathèque québécoise |
| 1999 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Jardin de Montréal à Shangai |
| 1999 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Collège Gérald-Godin |
| 1998 | Grand Prize Winner, Canadian Interiors Awards | Cinémathèque québécoise |
| 1998 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Cinémathèque québécoise |
| 1997 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Institutional Architecture | Usine C / Théâtre Carbone 14 |
| 1997 | Governor General’s Award of Merit in Architecture | Usine C / Théâtre Carbone 14 |
| 1995 | The Art of CAD First Prize | Faculté d'Aménagement de l'Université de Montréal |
| 1995 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Honourable Mention | Usine C / Théâtre Carbone 14 |
| 1995 | Orange Prize / Renovation “Sauvons Montréal” | Usine C / Théâtre Carbone 14 |
| 1995 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Faculté d'Aménagement de l'Université de Montréal |
| 1995 | OAQ Award of Excellence / Honourable Mention | Cossette Agency |
| 1994 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Schulich School of Music & Marvin Duchow music library, McGill University |
| 1991 | Grand Prize OAQ / OAQ Awards of Excellence | Théâtre du Rideau Vert |
| 1990 | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence | Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui |