Situated in Montreal’s Mile-Ex neighborhood, Le Relais Boréale stands as a testament to craftsmanship, community, and eco-responsibility. Designed by Atelier l’Abri, this brewery, restaurant, and bar space serves as a gathering spot for beer enthusiasts, marking a homecoming for Les Brasseurs du Nord, a pioneering microbrewery in Quebec.
A Circular Approach to Design
Embracing a circular approach, Les Brasseurs du Nord enlisted the expertise of L’Abri to create a venue that reflects eco-responsibility and local craftsmanship. Housed within the Fabrik8 complex, the microbrewery occupies a corner space, seamlessly blending concrete and glass elements into an efficient brewhouse and a cozy dining area for up to 60 patrons.
Showcasing the Brewing Process
The layout ingeniously utilizes the double-height location, with a mezzanine overlooking the cold chambers housing beer barrels and stainless-steel fermenters. A large oak-framed glass wall offers a glimpse into the brewing process, accentuating the brewery’s industrial charm.
Inviting Hospitality
The tasting room features a welcoming bar with rounded corners, encouraging convivial interactions among guests. A signature dark blue table serves as the centerpiece, evoking the tradition of Biergarten gatherings. Additionally, an outdoor terrace extends the brewery’s ambiance onto the street, inviting passersby to join in the experience.
Natural Elegance and Sustainability
Natural materials such as native wood, local granite, and lime plaster, along with soft lighting, infuse warmth into the dining space. Large plants and climbing vines evoke the boreal forest, fostering an organic and social environment.
Eco-Responsible Partnerships
In line with its eco-conscious ethos, the microbrewery collaborates with local businesses to repurpose brewing residues into flour for bakeries and source second-hand brewing equipment. The design reflects this commitment, prioritizing local manufacturing and sustainable sourcing.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
The design-build team, comprising L’Abri and Construction Modulor, collaborates with neighborhood artisans to create bespoke furniture and lighting. Upcycled elements, including old lamppost domes and liquor bottles, find new life in Studio Botté’s luminous works, while Inat crafts handmade tables and chairs from reclaimed wood.
A Neighborhood Icon
Le Relais Boréale, with its ultra-local design and sustainable ethos, emerges as a flagship establishment in the Mile-Ex neighborhood, celebrating community, craftsmanship, and responsible stewardship of resources.
