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The reception area, the only structural addition to the building, is a
glass cube linking the ground floor, the first floor, and other zones,
where a cosy lounge welcomes visitors. As soon as we enter this space,
the two-storey open volume is intended to bring people together. It is
vast but friendly, a sure sign of quality.

The industrial skeleton is prominent thanks to a complete overhaul
of the ventilation system: pipes and exposed wires accompany the
visitor throughout his journey in the building. The white paint gives a
sense of airiness, where these industrial elements are present but not
too dominant, subtle but reminiscent of an industrial style. Cream-
tinted wood brings a warm touch, adds visual richness, and reminds
the visitor of the products that are actually designed in this factory.
Wood floors make way for soft and soundproof grey carpeting with
soothing patterns.

Technology is omnipresent; the training rooms, which can also be used
as meeting rooms, are equipped with a touch screen at the entrance
to check their availability or to reserve a time slot. Widescreen TVs
can be found both in common areas and meeting rooms. All of these
elements are a logical follow-up to major investments in the plant’s
robotisation. Thanks to this major project, Artopex’s slogan, “Art and
manner”, takes on its full meaning. dw
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Technical Sheet
• Project: Artopex head office
• Location: Granby, Quebec
• Client: Artopex
• Architecture and space planning: Luc Plante architecture + design
inc
• Interior design: Cyr Cathcart interior designers
• Structural Engineer: EXP Granby
• Mechanical engineer: EXP Granby
• General Contractor: IDEAL Construction
• Project start date: December 2015
• Project Completion Date: November 2018
• Photographers: Francis Di Salvio from F6foto, David Boyer and
Savitri Bastiani
www.lucplante-architecte.com/artopex-granby-maison-mere

dw • Issue 238 79