Project Details
Project Name: APCHQ
Location: 5930 Louis-H. La Fontaine Blvd., Anjou, Montreal
Client: APCHQ
Interior Design Firm: Imperatori Design
LEED Consultant: Martin Roy & associés
General Contractor: Marfoglia Construction
Millwork: Marfoglia Construction
Furniture: Burovision
Carpet: Interface
Felt Panels: Zintra
Project Area: 28,000 sq. ft.
Project Completion: August 2022
Photographer: Stéphane Brügger
In a remarkable endeavor to support the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ), Imperatori Design has orchestrated a monumental turnaround. By completely reimagining the four floors occupied by this construction industry-focused organization, Imperatori Design has breathed new life into a space that had remained untouched for the past thirty years. The project not only signifies a physical transformation but also reflects a shift towards modernity and collaboration, a departure from the hierarchical and compartmentalized approach of its past.
Architectural Marvel in the Making
The architectural prowess of Imperatori Design takes center stage in this grand transformation. The aim was not merely to redesign a space but to create an environment that harmonizes contemporary work dynamics with APCHQ’s current ethos. Recognizing the need for a fresh perspective, a project committee composed of transition ambassadors played a pivotal role in facilitating information sharing, resulting in a remarkably successful collaboration.
Innovative Concepts Unveiled
From the very entrance, the revamped space exudes a sense of warmth and openness. The reception area seamlessly connects to multipurpose rooms through sleek glass partitions, fostering a sense of coherence and connectivity. The architectural components in this zone are versatile, adapting effortlessly to changing occupant needs. The pivot doors demarcating this area from the adjacent café zone reveal a tranquil haven where users can unwind and rejuvenate.
The upper floors have been ingeniously dedicated to workspaces that prioritize collaboration and the influx of natural light. The strategic window placement offers occupants an unobstructed view of the neighborhood, establishing a connection with the outside world. Closed spaces are thoughtfully grouped around a gracefully curved central core, while workstations are dispersed across an open area, interspersed with casual meeting spaces. Purpose-built collaboration rooms offer acoustic comfort, enhancing the overall working experience.
Design Palette and Sustainability Harmony
The material palette chosen for the revitalized environment is an ode to nature’s subtleties, featuring shades of white, gray, and earth tones. A locally abundant resource, Quebec White Oak, imparts a sense of comfort akin to the embrace of a cozy home. Strips of hot-rolled steel, resembling emerald scrolls, imbue the space with texture and dimension, symbolizing strength and stability. The incorporation of felt, in the form of wall panels and openwork elements, not only contributes to visual comfort but also enhances acoustic qualities. Suspended acoustic ceiling tiles delineate work areas, fostering tranquility and concentration. The exposed structure of circulation spaces celebrates the rugged charm of construction. The meticulous selection of eco-conscious materials and the utilization of soft indirect lighting reflect an unwavering commitment to air quality and user comfort, with aspirations of achieving a LEED Gold certification.
Aesthetic Infusion and Identity Integration
Playful graphics, strategically integrated into the design, encourage occupants to traverse between floors using exit stairs, fostering a sense of connectivity and exploration. Visual graphics and wayfinding elements take inspiration from the construction lexicon, paying homage to APCHQ’s industry roots. The APCHQ logo itself, carved from hot-rolled steel panels, serves as the crowning glory, encapsulating the essence of the organization’s present and future.
In conclusion, Imperatori Design‘s transformative prowess shines brilliantly through the metamorphosis of APCHQ’s workspace. This project stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of modern design concepts with APCHQ’s core values, symbolizing a new era of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the heart of Montreal.
