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Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesThe former Redpath Sugar Refinery in Montreal has found new life as a rock climbing gym and fitness center. Located in the Southwest borough on Rue Saint-Patrick, <a href="http://allezup.com/en/" target="_blank">Allez Up</a> forms one part of a larger revitalization effort to transform the industrial brownfield site into a vibrant recreational facility. Designed by <a href="http://smithvigeant.com/" target="_blank">Smith-Vigeant</a>, the sustainbly-designed gym offers a variety of climbing options along with regular fitness equipment and yoga classes.1
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesSited on a former brownfield next to the Lachine Canal not too far from downtown, the <a href="http://allezup.com/en/" target="_blank">Allez Up gym</a> is a one-of-a-kind facility helping to revitalize the area.2
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesThe former silos of the sugar refinery have been converted into climbing walls perfect for a range of skills from beginning to expert.3
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesSmith-Vigeant designed the facility to pay tribute to the industrial facility and remind visitors of its origins as a factory.4
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesThe interior <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/climbing-gym" target="_blank">climbing facility</a> was designed to resemble sugar crystals with white, angular walls and bright, colorful holds that punctuate the man-made cliffs.5
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesBesides their <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/adaptive-reuse" target="_blank">adaptive reuse</a> of a former sugar refinery and use of recycled materials, <a href="http://smithvigeant.com/" target="_blank">Smith-Vigeant</a> also designed the facility to be energy efficient in support of Allez Up's overall mission.6
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesLarge windows with views out to the city provide daylight for the interior.7
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesThe orientation and openings maximize solar gain in the winter, while shading devices minimize it in the summer and control glare.8
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesHigh performance insulation and an envelope minimize energy losses, natural ventilation provides cooling when necessary and hydronic radiant floors provide heat.9
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesMaterials were selected to be low maintenance, durable and enhance indoor air quality.10
Allez Up Climbing Gym-Smith Vigeant ArchitectesCurrently only 50 percent of the silo structures are utilized for the climbing gym and the company hopes to eventually integrate them into the gym.11
