The Montreal Biodome - Connecting People with the Environment
SPECIES FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE: Ipé
FIND INFORMATION ON THIS AND ADDITIONAL SPECIES AT WWW.IWPAWOOD.ORG
The Montreal Biodome is a popular science museum located at Olympic Park in Montreal, Quebec. The site features replicas of five ecosystems found in the Americas, including the Tropical Rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and the Labrador Coast. Together, the five ecosystems are home to more than 4,500 animal and 500 plant species.
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The Biodome was originally constructed as a velodrome (cycling stadium) for the 1976 Olympic Games. Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations, including a facelift begun in 2016 that resulted in prolonged closure of the museum due to canceled contracts, construction delays, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biodome reopened in February of 2021.
Central to the Biodome’s facelift was opening up the core that separates the ecosystems and its exhibits. Visitors now move along an undulating “living wall” system that wraps around the Biodome’s quintet of immersive ecosystems. Ipé-lined walkways and interaction areas allow visitors to stroll along the canopy and observe from different levels all the animals and plants that live at various heights, offering a truly immersive purview into each of the various ecosystems.
Montreal-based Goodfellow, Inc. supplied over 8,000 linear feet of 100% FSC® certified Ipé to build the Biodome’s walkways, staircases and other high traffic areas. Ipé was selected for the applications because of its aesthetic qualities as well as its functionality and durability, according to Olivia Goodfellow, director of marketing and communication at Goodfellow. “Ipé is extremely strong and dense, so it requires very little upkeep. Furthermore, it contains no chemicals and is highly resistant to fire, stains, rot and insects. Importantly, Ipé also holds up well in environments that experience extreme temperature variation,” she added.
Read Goodfellow’s project write up.
The Montreal Biodome functions as a “living entity” that supports the five distinct ecosystems. Each of these five adjacent ecosystems has its own unique climate and bionetwork, ranging from tropical to polar. Because of its thermal tolerance and sustainable qualities, Ipé was the ideal solution to support the diverse range of micro climes, biomes and natural habitats within the building.
In terms of aesthetics, Ipé’s color, tone and texture are totally in keeping with the museum’s biological nature. “Ipé is a natural product, as opposed to manmade materials like concrete or tile, and so it was the obvious choice for recreating a natural habitat,” said Goodfellow.
The Montreal Biodome offers a truly novel experience that immerses visitors in five hemispheric ecosystems and helps raise awareness about environmental issues and how they impact the natural world. In addition to building greater understanding and respect for the environment, the Biodome has breathed new life into a 45-year-old building and helped reconnect the people of Montreal with their own built environment. iw
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used for the walkways at the Montreal Biodome?+
The Montreal Biodome's walkways, staircases, and other high-traffic areas were built using 100% FSC-certified Ipé. Over 8,000 linear feet of the hardwood was supplied for the project.
Who supplied the Ipé for the Montreal Biodome renovation?+
Montreal-based Goodfellow, Inc. supplied the Ipé for the Biodome project, providing over 8,000 linear feet of FSC-certified material.
Why was Ipé chosen for the Montreal Biodome?+
Ipé was selected for its strength, density, and durability, requiring very little upkeep. It contains no chemicals, resists fire, stains, rot, and insects, and holds up well under the extreme temperature variations found across the Biodome's five ecosystems.
What are the five ecosystems featured at the Montreal Biodome?+
The Biodome replicates the Tropical Rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and the Labrador Coast. Together they house more than 4,500 animal and 500 plant species.
What was the Montreal Biodome building originally used for?+
The building was originally constructed as a velodrome, or cycling stadium, for the 1976 Olympic Games. It has since undergone several renovations to become the science museum it is today.
When did the Montreal Biodome reopen after its renovation?+
The Biodome reopened in February 2021 following a facelift that began in 2016. The renovation was prolonged by canceled contracts, construction delays, and the COVID-19 pandemic.