Modern living: Rental project establishes new benchmark in sustainable living
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By Linda White • Postmedia Content Works
Published Jun 25, 2025
Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles, a new LEED-certified rental condo project by Maître Carré now leasing in Gatineau’s Manoir-des-Trembles neighbourhood, sets a new benchmark for sustainable rental living in the National Capital Region.
“It integrates numerous sustainability features that benefit both the environment and the daily comfort of residents,” says David Fernandez, partner and chief financial and operations officer at Maître Carré, which has been designing and developing forward-thinking residential spaces since 2009.
Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles was developed in partnership with Pomerleau, a leader in sustainable construction, and exceeds National Energy Code standards by 25 to 30 per cent. It has been awarded LEED certification by incorporating a wide range of sustainable features throughout the project.
SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE
LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – is the international symbol of excellence in sustainable construction. In Canada, it’s overseen by the Canada Green Building Council and establishes strict requirements regarding such elements as the location of the building and proximity to diverse transportation types.
Fernandez rhymes off elements that helped the 189-unit development achieve LEED certification, including strategic site selection – as it’s accessible to both Gatineau and Ottawa – to reduce environmental impact and construction on a previously developed site, as well as efficient management of water, energy, materials and resources.
“At the end of the day, it’s a scoreboard so you need to reach a certain level of points, but you have to start from the beginning, so sustainable initiatives need to be integrated into the project from the design and construction phases,” Fernandez says. “We had to meet rigorous criteria. Because the site was used land, for example, that gave us extra points.”
Underground parking and a green and white roof help mitigate urban heat islands to keep the building cooler and more energy efficient. Oversized windows and high ceilings maximize natural light while reducing energy use. The building features a high-performance ventilation system and eco-friendly air exchangers. Waste and compost chutes are located on every floor.
The project features electric vehicle charging stations and plenty of bike parking stations. Bathrooms and kitchens feature low-flow faucets. Bathrooms also feature low-flow showerheads. “We have permeable exterior surfaces that reduce pressure on the water system,” says Fernandez.
GATINEAU PARK
Located at 256 Blvd. Saint-Raymond, Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles is across the street from Gatineau Park. The National Capital Region’s conservation park, it’s the largest green space in the region and occupies more than 360 square kilometres.
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Downtown Ottawa is less than a 12-minute drive or a 25-minute bike ride away. “It was important for us to have a project that was close to green spaces but also close to the city,” Fernandez says.
Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles offers access to more than 300 kilometres of bicycle paths. It’s served by public transportation options, including Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) services, offering direct connections to local universities, parks and surrounding neighbourhoods.
“It’s a very nice neighbourhood that offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty so it’s ideal for all ages and all types of people, from professionals and students to active families looking for a balanced lifestyle,” he says.
MANY AMENITIES
Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles also features a long list of amenities, including a fully-equipped fitness centre, dedicated co-working space, common kitchen for work-from-home breaks or entertaining, and a foyer with a fireplace. “We wanted to offer amenities that promote well-being, productivity and community,” says Fernandez.
Additional conveniences include a secure parcel room, a mobile app for communication with the management team, secure access via an electronic chip system and surveillance cameras. The project also features a bike repair station.
“Outdoors, we have an urban gardening area in the interior courtyard, which helps reduce the heat island but is also a nice area for tenants to create a community within the building,” he says.
Now available for immediate move-in, rental condos range from studios to three bedrooms. Rent at Mellem Manoir-des-Trembles includes high-speed internet, five appliances, electricity, hot water, air conditioning via a heat pump and window coverings. On-site property management and maintenance staff provide residents with responsive service and added peace of mind. Learn more at
www.mellem.ca/en/projects/manoir-des-trembles and
www.mellem.ca/en/contact.
https://ottawacitizen.com/life/modern-li...shes-new-benchmark-in-sustainable-living
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