On the Plateau, residential buildings often have their own unique characteristics: high-rise apartments, rooftop access, limited outdoor space… and an unobstructed view of the city center. In this type of dense urban environment, an HVAC system must be designed to be efficient , discreet , safe , and above all, adapted to the specific constraints of the roof (membrane, drainage, vibrations, air vents).
For this project, our AirGreen team installed a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump on a flat gravel roof, using a bracket mounting system to protect the roof and ensure long-term stability. The result: a system ready to withstand Montreal's hot summers and demanding shoulder seasons, while respecting the building's structure.
Why choose a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone in an urban environment?
In a duplex/triplex or a residential building in the Plateau, the needs are rarely “uniform”: a bedroom at the back, a living room at the front, an office under a higher ceiling… each room reacts differently to the sun, to appliances, and to occupancy.
MultiZone addresses this reality precisely.
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a single outdoor unit on the roof
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several possible interior zones (depending on the configuration)
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a room-by-room check to avoid unnecessary air conditioning/heating
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a solution that limits visual clutter (important in urban environments)
The Gree FreeMatch range is particularly well-suited to these scenarios: modular, efficient, and well-suited to projects where mechanical space must remain under control.
What the photo reveals: a flat rooftop installation, designed to last
The image clearly shows an outdoor unit installed on a gravel roof, with:
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raised supports and wooden seats (sleeper type) to distribute the load
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insulated refrigeration lines (black sheath) neatly grouped together
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a positioning that takes into account the airflow around the device
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a typical urban setting (view of the city center towers), therefore a residential building within the city walls
1) Roof protection: a non-negotiable point
On a roofing membrane, unevenly distributed direct supports must be avoided at all costs. Here, choosing a mounting system on supports with a wooden base allows for:
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to reduce the risk of damaging the membrane
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to limit the concentration of weight
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to preserve natural drainage (important for gravel roofs)
2) Vibration and noise management
In densely populated residential areas, comfort doesn't stop inside the home: it's also important to preserve the peace and quiet of the occupants… and the neighbors. Installation on well-designed supports helps to:
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limit the vibrations transmitted to the structure
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stabilize the unit throughout the cycles (starts/stops, wind, temperature variations)
3) Routing of conduits: clean, protected, logical
On rooftops, the sun, cold, water, and wind all work against us. That's why insulation, protection, and the organization of pipes and wiring are essential. Visibly grouping and protecting these lines helps to:
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preserve energy efficiency (less waste)
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reduce premature wear of the insulation
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to facilitate maintenance and inspections
Model choice: Gree FreeMatch (exact model not legible, consistent MultiZone range)
In this photo, the model number is not clearly legible. Therefore, we are left with a realistic and consistent identification: Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump , typically used to supply 2 to 5 zones depending on the needs of the dwelling and the interior layout.
What matters here is the logic of the project:
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a roof as an exterior location
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a multi-room building
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the search for zoned comfort, without multiplying the outdoor units
Typical challenges of a rooftop installation in Montreal (and how we manage them)
Air clearances and performance
On roofs, sufficient clearance must be maintained to prevent air recirculation, especially during heat waves. Proper positioning improves:
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the stability of the air conditioning
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overall yield
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compressor durability
Resistance to climate and maintenance
A rooftop unit must be installed with the following in mind:
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access for service
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freeze/thaw cycles
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the accumulation of debris (leaves, urban dust)
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the durability of the fixings and supports
At AirGreen, we always install with a "field" approach: a solution must remain reliable not for a month, but in the long term, with simple maintenance and accessible mechanics.
Why AirGreen for a Multi-Zone Installation on the Plateau
Plateau-Mont-Royal is one of the areas where HVAC installation requires the most precision:
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older or renovated buildings
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access constraints (stairs, roofs, courtyards)
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aesthetic and sound requirements
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Urban density, therefore reduced tolerance for errors
Our strength lies in installing systems like the Gree FreeMatch MultiZone while taking into account everything surrounding the machine: structure, neighborhood, roof, maintenance, and real comfort in the rooms.
If you are looking for a reliable, well-integrated, and Plateau-friendly MultiZone solution, our AirGreen team knows exactly how to deliver it cleanly — and sustainably.