BELVEDERE RESIDENCE

Renovation of the envelope of a six-story building with 78 dwellings. The mandate for this project was to redo the entire envelope down to the intermediate cladding of the sections most affected by water infiltration. Following our analysis of the situation, we had to review the design of the entire envelope to ensure watertight junctions between the dwellings and the terraces.

First, we developed exploratory studies to properly identify deficiencies: loss of window sealing, brick joints and efflorescence under balcony slabs. Then, we developed the plans for permits. The City of Montreal accepted the project from the first submission. Finally, we prepared the file for submission and construction. We had to negotiate with the bidders to ensure that the contract was clear and complete and within the time and budget constraints.

For the execution of the work and given the size of the facades and the number of windows to be changed, we suggested to the client to start with a 'pilot project' by repairing the most urgent areas. This allowed for better control of the risks related to costs. In relation to the schedule, we established a phased schedule with the client, based on its financing and in order to make the execution of the work feasible. During this phase, we monitored and quality controlled the execution of the work on site as well as managed the approvals of the general contractor's payments.

The challenges encountered were related to the cohabitation of the works with the routine of the building users, most of them families with children. The management of the works in phases, while taking into account the types of works to be carried out during the winter months and the financial constraints of the client.