Origine, a new green condo project that recently broke ground, is set to become the tallest solid wood condo tower in North America. As the first major project to be constructed in the region, Origine will be the flagship building of the Pointe-aux-Lièvres ecodistrict, located in the heart of Quebec City.

Origine will house 92 condominium units spread out across 12 storeys, which will be constructed out of cross-laminated timber above a concrete ground floor. The wood levels can be built up to 50 per cent faster than regular construction, allowing faster occupancy. Wood is also 20 per cent lighter than concrete, which will lower costs.

The project aims to be eco-friendly by featuring natural-gas air and water heating, radiant floors and a smart garbage chute in a location that will give residents access to both the city and nature. It aspires to achieve LEED certification.

Natural Resources Canada selected this project to receive $1.175 million in funding under the Tall Wood Building Demonstration Initiative, a federal program that helps to cover some of the additional construction costs of these buildings, including research and development.

“By supporting innovation and the use of new techniques in the construction of wood-based high-rise buildings, we are supporting the growth of a strong and competitive forestry industry,” said Jim Carr, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, in a press release. “These investments in research and development lead to cleaner, more sustainable construction practices, all while promoting the creation of employment opportunities in the forestry sector. Innovative, entrepreneurial ideas like these are integral to our fight against climate change.”

The Quebec Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs paid for fire resistance testing to demonstrate the structural stability of the project in the event of a fire.

Origine is slated to be delivered by the end of the year.