Montreal Commercial Pool Construction: The Northstone Group Transforms Le Lynk Rooftop Terrace
- Ashley Wilson
- Sep 2
- 8 min read
When Reliance Construction and Olymbec Development embarked on creating Le Lynk, Montreal's striking dual-tower residential complex, they turned to The Northstone Group to transform the fifth-floor terrace into an extraordinary urban retreat. This ambitious project, nestled between the development's 11 and 12-story towers, represents a masterclass in commercial pool construction and luxury outdoor design at elevation—a challenge that demanded both technical precision and aesthetic sophistication. The completed amenity space, showcased at www.lynk.ca/en/amenities/, demonstrates how thoughtful outdoor design can elevate modern urban living.
The Vision: An Urban Resort in the Sky
Le Lynk's architectural team, led by Architex Group Architects (architexgroup.com), envisioned more than a standard amenity deck when they designed the fifth-floor terrace. They imagined a complete outdoor living environment that would distinguish this development in Montreal's competitive residential market. The space needed to serve hundreds of residents while maintaining an atmosphere of exclusive luxury—a balance that required careful material selection, innovative engineering, and flawless execution.
The Northstone Group's involvement began during the early design phases, collaborating closely with Architex to ensure the pool and landscape elements would integrate seamlessly with the building's modern, energy-efficient design philosophy. This early engagement proved crucial, as constructing a pool five stories above grade presents unique structural challenges that require coordination with the building's engineering team from BCA Structure.
Engineering Excellence: The Pool Installation
Installing a commercial-grade concrete pool on a fifth-floor terrace demands engineering expertise far beyond ground-level construction. The Northstone Group worked in concert with Équipe SP's mechanical and electrical teams to ensure every aspect of the pool system integrated with the building's sophisticated infrastructure. The pool itself, positioned strategically between the two towers to maximize sun exposure while providing wind protection, required specialized construction techniques to manage weight distribution across the reinforced structural slab.
The concrete shell, engineered to commercial standards while maintaining the aesthetic quality expected in luxury residential settings, features a sophisticated waterproofing system that protects the building structure below. The Northstone Group's expertise in elevated pool construction ensured proper drainage, preventing water infiltration that could compromise the parking levels beneath. The filtration and mechanical systems, coordinated with the building's highly efficient VRF HVAC systems, were designed to minimize energy
consumption while maintaining pristine water quality for the high-usage environment.
Material Mastery: Selecting Finishes for Durability and Beauty
The Northstone Group's role extended beyond construction to encompass complete color and material selection for the pool and surrounding hardscape. Understanding that commercial properties require finishes that balance aesthetic appeal with exceptional durability, the team specified materials capable of withstanding intensive use while maintaining their beauty through Montreal's challenging climate cycles.
The pool finish itself—a crucial decision that affects both appearance and longevity—required careful consideration. The Northstone Group selected a premium aggregate finish that provides slip resistance essential for commercial applications while creating a sophisticated color palette that complements the building's modern architecture. This finish, in a custom blend of grey and blue aggregates, creates water colors that shift from deep sapphire to crystalline turquoise depending on lighting conditions, adding visual dynamism to the terrace environment.
Porcelain Perfection: The Pedestal System
Surrounding the pool, The Northstone Group installed an extensive porcelain tile deck using an innovative pedestal system—a solution that exemplifies the technical sophistication required for rooftop installations. This system, featuring adjustable pedestals that create a level surface despite the roof's drainage slope, provides numerous advantages for commercial applications. The void space beneath the tiles allows for proper drainage and ventilation while providing access to utilities without disturbing the finished surface.
The porcelain tiles themselves, selected by The Northstone Group for their exceptional freeze-thaw resistance and minimal maintenance requirements, create a sleek, contemporary surface that maintains its appearance despite heavy foot traffic. The material's low porosity prevents staining from food and beverages—an important consideration for a space designed to host gatherings—while its thermal properties keep the surface comfortable even during Montreal's hottest summer days.
Architectural Shade: Three Custom Pergolas
Understanding that successful outdoor spaces require both sun and shade options, The Northstone Group designed and installed three distinctive pergolas that provide architectural interest while offering respite from summer sun. These structures, fabricated from powder-coated aluminum to withstand rooftop wind loads and weather exposure, were engineered to complement the building's modern aesthetic while providing functional shade for different zones within the terrace.
Each pergola serves a distinct purpose within the overall design. The largest, positioned adjacent to the party room entrance, creates an outdoor living room complete with lounge seating areas. A second pergola defines the dining zone, providing shade for tables where residents can enjoy al fresco meals. The third, more intimate structure, creates a quiet retreat away from the pool's activity. The Northstone Group's design incorporated mounting points for seasonal fabric panels, allowing the management to adjust shade coverage based on seasonal needs and events.
Custom Aluminum Planters: Bringing Nature to New Heights
One of the project's most innovative elements involved The Northstone Group's creation of custom aluminum planters that introduce greenery to this elevated environment. These planters, fabricated to precise specifications, needed to address multiple challenges inherent to rooftop gardens: weight restrictions, wind resistance, drainage requirements, and the need for winter durability.
The aluminum construction, chosen for its combination of strength and lightweight properties, allowed for substantial planters that don't overburden the structural slab. The Northstone Group's design incorporated internal drainage systems connected to the terrace's water management infrastructure, preventing overflow while ensuring proper plant hydration. The planters' dimensions were carefully calculated to provide adequate root space for selected plants while maintaining proportions that complement the terrace's scale.
The finish of these planters—a sophisticated charcoal powder coating—was selected to coordinate with the building's window frames and other architectural elements, creating visual continuity between the landscape and architecture. This attention to detail exemplifies The Northstone Group's understanding that in luxury commercial projects, every element must contribute to a cohesive whole.
Integration with Building Systems
The success of Le Lynk's rooftop oasis stems partly from The Northstone Group's seamless integration with the building's sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems. Working closely with Équipe SP's engineers, the team ensured that pool heating, filtration, and lighting systems operated in harmony with the building's energy-efficient infrastructure. The pool's heating system, connected to the building's heat recovery network, captures waste heat from the VRF HVAC systems, significantly reducing energy consumption—a crucial consideration for a development promoting sustainability.
The lighting design, another crucial element of The Northstone Group's contribution, transforms the terrace after dark. LED systems throughout the pool and landscape areas provide both functional illumination and atmospheric accent lighting. The pool's underwater lights, synchronized with landscape lighting controlled by the building's automation system, create dramatic evening effects while maintaining energy efficiency.
Commercial Expertise Meets Residential Luxury
This project showcases The Northstone Group's unique ability to deliver commercial-grade construction with residential luxury aesthetics. While the pool and landscape must serve hundreds of residents and withstand intensive use, they maintain the sophisticated appearance expected in a development of Le Lynk's caliber. This balance—between durability and beauty, functionality and luxury—defines The Northstone Group's approach to commercial projects.
The completed terrace at Le Lynk stands as testament to what's possible when experienced contractors collaborate with visionary architects and developers. Reliance Construction and Olymbec Development's trust in The Northstone Group to execute this critical amenity space has resulted in an outdoor environment that elevates the entire development. As residents gather around the pool, dine under the pergolas, or simply enjoy the planted areas five stories above Montreal's streets, they experience the seamless integration of design, engineering, and craftsmanship that defines The Northstone Group's commercial work.
The Northstone Group: Canada's Premier Pool and Landscape Authority
The selection of The Northstone Group for Le Lynk's prestigious rooftop oasis reflects the company's position as Canada's #1 and largest pool and landscaping contractor, with over 180 skilled professionals delivering excellence across Montreal and Toronto. This exceptional team includes in-house landscape architects who understand both the artistic vision and technical requirements of elevated installations, designers who push the boundaries of outdoor luxury, pool engineering experts who solve complex structural challenges, and master builders who transform ambitious plans into stunning realities. Unlike typical contractors who subcontract various trades, The Northstone Group maintains complete in-house capabilities—from initial 3D design visualization through engineering, construction, and final finishing—ensuring seamless coordination and uncompromising quality control throughout projects of any scale.
This comprehensive expertise, combined with over 20 years of experience and featured recognition in House and Home, Dwell Magazine, Montreal Gazette, and Haute Living, made The Northstone Group the clear choice for Reliance Construction and Olymbec Development when selecting a partner capable of executing Le Lynk's sophisticated rooftop environment. As Canada's largest luxury pool and landscaping company, The Northstone Group brings resources and expertise that smaller contractors simply cannot match, deploying specialized teams for commercial projects while maintaining the attention to detail that has made them the preferred choice for Canada's most demanding developers and architects. Whether creating ground-level estates in Westmount and Forest Hill or engineering rooftop paradises like Le Lynk, The Northstone Group's 180+ professionals—including certified pool builders, landscape architects, project managers, and skilled craftsmen—deliver the exceptional results that have established their reputation as Canada's undisputed leader in luxury outdoor construction.
A New Standard for Urban Outdoor Living
The Le Lynk project represents more than a successful installation; it establishes a new benchmark for outdoor amenity spaces in Montreal's residential developments. The Northstone Group's comprehensive approach—from initial design consultation through material selection to final construction—demonstrates the value of engaging experienced specialists for complex commercial projects. As Montreal continues its vertical growth, projects like Le Lynk prove that elevation need not limit outdoor luxury. Residents and visitors can explore the stunning results at www.lynk.ca/en/amenities/, where the rooftop terrace stands as a centerpiece of the development's luxury amenities.
For developers and architects planning similar projects, Le Lynk offers valuable lessons: engage specialty contractors early, invest in quality materials that endure commercial use, and never compromise on the engineering that ensures long-term performance. The Northstone Group's execution of this challenging project reinforces their position as the premier choice for commercial pool and landscape construction in Montreal, capable of delivering excellence regardless of elevation or complexity.
Project Credits:
Developer: Olymbec Development (@olymbecdevelopment)
General Contractor: Reliance Construction
Architect: Architex Group Architects (architexgroup.com)
Mechanical/Electrical: Équipe SP
Structural: BCA Structure
Pool & Landscape: The Northstone Group (www.thenorthstonegroup.com)
Project Website: www.lynk.ca/en/amenities/
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