The new Société de transport de Montréal (STM)’s Stinson Transport Centre, located in Montreal’s St-Laurent district, has opened. The Centre accommodates 300 buses and up to 800 STM employees.
The project was designed by architectural firm Lemay, which aimed to integrate this new industrial building in its residential surroundings, without raising both visual and air pollution levels. Ceramic manufacturer Ceragres collaborated with the architects to develop an exterior cladding system for the building.
The building is easily recognizable by its long, bright yellow bridging structure, a colour that picks up on STM’s logo. Dedicated to the company’s administration offices, this volume is covered in ceramic ventilated cladding, an innovative product distributed by Ceragres. The ceramic panels resist discolouration and are designed to keep their brightness even when in direct contact with UV rays.
In addition to offering a vast colour selection, ceramic ventilated cladding is known for its durability and versatility—even through harsh Quebec winters. The ceramic panels undergo a hydrophilic treatment that provides self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. Dirt does not stick to the cladding, so it can be easily cleaned with water. Rain thus works as a natural cleaner, allowing owners to significantly save on energy and maintenance costs.
The material also contributes to the improvement of surrounding air quality. When exposed to light, a catalyst embedded in the enamel is activated. Polluting molecules such as nitrous oxide emanating from the buses naturally deposit on the ceramic surface, and are transformed into harmless components such as mineral salts, which will then be released into the air. This action achieves a similar result to planting trees around the building.
The Stinson Transport Centre received LEED Gold certification for its sustainability achievements.
