Éléonore: A New 15-Story Rental Project in Gatineau

Gatineau’s skyline is evolving, and one of its newest additions, Éléonore, stands as a testament to thoughtful urban integration and contemporary residential design. Developed by Oktodev and Endevco, this 15-story rental project is the collaborative work of blanchette archi.design and MDTP atelier d’architecture, two firms known for their ability to blend heritage sensitivity with modern functionality. Completed in 2024, Éléonore delivers 242 residential units while seamlessly incorporating historical structures into its design.

A Thoughtful Architectural Collaboration

The vision for Éléonore was brought to life by blanchette archi.design in partnership with MDTP atelier d’architecture, marking the consortium’s first large-scale residential project. With blanchette archi.design’s expertise in multi-residential, commercial, and modular construction, and MDTP atelier d’architecture’s 35-year legacy in urban development, the two firms approached this project with a balance of technical rigor and creative ambition.

This collaboration was driven by a shared goal: to create housing that responds to the realities of urban density while fostering a strong connection to its historical and cultural surroundings. The result is a residential complex that not only meets contemporary living standards but also respects the architectural language of Gatineau’s evolving cityscape.

Designing for Heritage and Modernity

Situated at the intersection of Laurier Street and Sacré-Cœur Boulevard, Éléonore is characterized by a layered architectural approach that reflects its context. Its red masonry podium mirrors the materiality of nearby historical buildings, ensuring a smooth visual transition between past and present. Along Sacré-Cœur Boulevard, a row of townhouses integrates harmoniously with the surrounding urban fabric, providing a human-scale streetscape.

Above the podium, the building’s upper levels adopt a more contemporary aesthetic, with anodized metal cladding that interacts with natural light, creating a dynamic and ever-changing façade. A staggered balcony arrangement introduces movement to the structure, while custom-designed ceramic-fritted balcony screens add a gradient texture to the building’s elevations. These design choices reflect a careful consideration of both materiality and spatial composition, reinforcing the dialogue between architectural heritage and modern living.

Spaces Designed for Collective Living

Beyond its exterior expression, Éléonore prioritizes the daily experience of its residents by integrating communal and wellness-focused spaces. The building offers a gym, self-service library, dog park, and coworking areas, fostering a sense of community and convenience.

A third-floor terrace with an outdoor dining area encourages social interaction, while a rooftop pool and panoramic terrace provide sweeping views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Casino du Lac-Leamy. These spaces transform the high-rise into more than just a place to live—they create a network of shared environments that enrich the urban experience.

Balancing Private and Public Spaces

A key element of Éléonore’s urban integration is its ability to weave private living spaces with the surrounding public realm. The landscape design by Studio B includes a public plaza and a porte-cochère, enhancing pedestrian accessibility and reinforcing a connection between the building and its environment.

By incorporating strategic setbacks and loggias on shorter façades, the design respects the surrounding urban scale, ensuring Éléonore is not an isolated tower but a well-integrated residential hub. Its LEED Gold certification aspirations further highlight a commitment to sustainability, reinforcing the project’s role in shaping the future of Gatineau’s housing landscape.

Technical Sheet