Crafting Le Relais Boréale Brewery: Fostering Community and Sustainability
The Le Relais Boréale Brewery, situated in the Mile-Ex neighborhood of Montreal, serves as a haven for beer enthusiasts and a testament to eco-responsibility. Les Brasseurs du Nord, pioneers of microbrewing in Quebec, embarked on a mission to infuse their circular ethos into the project, enlisting the expertise of Atelier l’Abri to craft a venue that embodies local craftsmanship and sustainability.
Transforming Space: A Fusion of Functionality and Warmth
Nestled within the Fabrik8 complex, the microbrewery underwent a transformation from a concrete and glass commercial suite into an efficient brewhouse and inviting dining space. Designed by L’Abri, the venue can accommodate up to 60 patrons and optimizes its double-height location by incorporating a mezzanine above the beer barrels. Stainless-steel fermenters stand as a visual spectacle behind a prominent oak-framed glass wall, showcasing the brewing process day and night.
Inviting Atmosphere: Curves, Colors, and Natural Elements
The tasting room welcomes guests with rounded counter corners that foster a convivial atmosphere. A long bar adorned with 16 rows of taps serves as the focal point, while a large dark blue table, a nod to Boréale’s emblematic color, stands as the heart of the project, reminiscent of traditional Biergarten gatherings. Natural materials such as native wood, local granite, and lime plaster, coupled with soft lighting and lush greenery, infuse warmth and organic charm into the dining space, evoking the spirit of the boreal forest.
Commitment to Sustainability: Local Sourcing and Eco-Conscious Practices
Embracing an eco-responsible ethos, the microbrewery partners with local businesses to repurpose brewing residues into flour for nearby bakeries. Second-hand brewing equipment and materials further underscore the commitment to sustainability. The design-build team prioritizes local manufacturing and sourcing, collaborating with artisans from the neighborhood to create bespoke furniture and lighting fixtures. Studio Botté, known for its luminous upcycled works, repurposes old lamppost domes and liquor bottles into striking pieces, while woodworker Inat crafts handmade tables and chairs from locally sourced wood, including reclaimed Montreal ash trees. Granite countertops sourced from a nearby quarry underscore the brewery’s ultra-local approach, solidifying its status as a neighborhood icon.
By blending functionality, warmth, and sustainability, Le Relais Boréale Brewery emerges as a vibrant community hub that celebrates craftsmanship, local culture, and the art of brewing.
