![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_hero-852x479.jpg)
Saucier + Perrotte designs iceberg-like Montreal sports complex with orange interiors
The Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent in Montreal by Canadian firm Saucier + Perrotte has icy and black exteriors, contrasting the glossy orange surfaces found inside.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x513.jpg)
Measuring 153,924 square feet (14,300 square metres), the complex is divided into two monochrome structures that together house an indoor soccer field, two swimming pools, a basketball court, fitness centre and cafe.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x1064.jpg)
Locally based Saucier + Perrotte Architectes designed the project, which was awarded the American Architecture Prize in the Recreational category earlier this year.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x1065.jpg)
The structure includes two large buildings; "one prismatic, white and diaphanous, the other darker and stretched horizontally," according to firm.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x568.jpg)
The shapes and glazing details on these volumes make them appear to be breaking out of the ground at angles. The light-coloured portion is reminiscent of a huge chunk of ice, while the black building could be likened to a protruding volcanic rock.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_15-852x568.jpg)
The design is intended to form a relationship with the area's existing buildings, which are horizontal and neutral-toned, as well as a nearby park and planned green belt.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x571.jpg)
"The sculptural nature of the project creates a strong link between these two natural elements in the urban fabric," said the firm.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x568.jpg)
Inside the white structure are the centre's two pools. White tiles surround the perimeters, while ceilings are coloured in bright orange with a high-gloss finish.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x1065.jpg)
Because of the ample natural light that enters the space, the pools' sky-blue colour pops against the orange and white elements.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1278.jpg)
The recreational pool area features an orange spiral slide, and the Olympic-sized swimming pool has a second-storey overlook with orange glazing.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
The complex's black volume houses three indoor soccer fields, where the expansive green courts also contrasts the raised, glossy orange perimeter. Ceilings are painted charcoal, with matching metalwork used throughout.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x1065.jpg)
Bright colours are a characteristic of Saucier + Perrotte's designs. Examples of the firm's projects around Montreal include an angular, slate grey soccer stadium with a rusty orange entryway, a caramel-coloured staircase at a nearby college, and a dark warehouse with red pillars for a local boutique.
![Complexe sportif Saint-Laurent by Saucier Perrotte Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/complexe-sportif-saint-laurent-saucier-perrotte_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1065.jpg)
The firm was founded by Gilles Saucier and André Perrotte in 1988, and the two were awarded Quebec's highest prize for a lifetime achievement in the fields of architecture and design in 2014.
Photography is by Olivier Blouin.
Project credits:
Structural, mechanical and electrical engineer: SNC Lavalin
Interior designer: Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and HCMA
Landscape architect: Claude Cormier + Associés
LEED consultant: Lyse M. Tremblay, ecoArchitecture