ALUMINUM SHINED AND SPARKLED AT THE GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN
AluQuébec, proud partner for the showcase of aluminum in industrial & product design, interior design and architecture projects

For a very first year, AluQuébec joined forces with the 14th edition of the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN. A solid lever for the industry of aluminum, AluQuébec’s mission is to develop the material’s full potential and increase its use. The partnership thus established between the federating body of the aluminum ecosystem actors and the international competition for excellence in architecture, design and built environment projects is a marriage of the heart, a natural alliance!

The goal? To promote the integration of aluminum in architectural, design, product and building projects in Quebec.

AluQuébec thus awarded the first special GRANDS PRIX rewarding the integration of ultralight and ultra-resistant material in projects that revive the built landscape of Quebec.

Here are the winners!

AURA by Lumca
Platinum Winner / Product
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Industrial & Product Design

Lumca specializes in the design and manufacture of decorative, durable and environmentally friendly outdoor lighting, handcrafted from extruded non-porous aluminum, making them extremely light.

The AURA line of outdoor lighting products has been specifically designed to illuminate public spaces in a sober manner while offering the possibility of creating lighting scenarios in different colors.

This modular range is composed of 3 models of luminous columns of distinct shapes as well as a bollard. The product is structurally adjustable in terms of the diameter and height of the pole as well as the length of the lens as well as lighting color rendering, intensity and light distribution.

Made of 80% recycled/recyclable aluminum parts, the product is composed of four different aluminum alloys. Its shaping requires five shaping processes, namely extrusions, sand casting, permanent mouldings, high pressure injection moulding and cold rolling.

The aluminum alloys that make up the structure of the product have been selected for their lightness and strength. A surface finish of baked polyester powder paint specially developed to coat aluminum provides it with a long-lasting aesthetic appeal.

JURY’S KUDOS

Without aluminum, this collection could not offer such remarkable assets. A sober design. Lighting that seems suspended in the air. A wonderful way to highlight aluminum.  

EQ3 Galeries de la Capitale by TBA | Thomas Balaban Architecte
Platinum Winner / Architecture
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Architecture

TBA | Thomas Balaban Architecte was asked to transform Quebec City’s typical big-box store of Canadian furniture brand EQ3 into a distinctive architectural statement. Loosely inspired by the cage crinoline of the 19th century – one of the first mass-produced fashion items adopted by the wealthy and the working classes alike – the intervention dresses the postmodern brick box in aluminum fins.

Instead of replacing and accentuating the store entrance, we pushed an intervention that encompasses and unifies the entire volume, while minimally impacting the building and its grounds.

At the heart of our sustainable development strategy is the choice of material. Given the transient and often disposable nature of retail construction, it was important to us that the transformation be reversible and recyclable (aluminum remains one of the only metals that can be recycled in its entirety, and repeatedly).

An expression of the brand and its core values, our intervention is remarkable while remaining simple, intelligent, and modern, reflecting a clear respect for material and EQ3’s ethos, Made in Consideration.

JURY’S KUDOS

Aluminum, a recyclable material, here perfectly serves the transitory character of the commercial building. An inspired idea, simple and beautifully executed.  

Hôtel de ville de Rigaud by Affleck de la Riva, architectes
Gold Winner / Architecture
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Architecture

While Rigaud City Hall is a modest building respectful of the scale of its municipality, it projects a strong civic image. Accessible and close to the ground, in dialogue with both the citizen and its territory, the new city hall symbolizes community, pride and participation in collective life. The architecture of the new city hall alludes to the archetype of the classical temple whose form is associated with the birth of democracy.

Luminous and unadorned, the building blends into the northern landscape of the Ottawa Valley. The east and north facades of the building are punctuated by a white aluminum colonnade.

Coquelicot by Luminaire Authentik
Silver Winner / Industrial & Product Design
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Industrial & Product Design

Here, aluminum’s light weight allows for flexibility to explore different shapes as well a variety of applications such as, pendant, ceiling mount and free-standing models.

Inspired by natural flowers & organic shapes, the refined, flowing silhouette of the Coquelicots family transcends femininity. Its shape reflects light in an exceptional way. Both delicate and playful, it encourages creative assembly without compromising durability and affordability due to the aluminum material.

Quartz Co. Flagship by Blanchette Architectes, Quartz Co. et Rainville Sangaré
Bronze Winner / Interior Design
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Interior Design

Rainville Sangaré and Blanchette Architects were called upon to transpose the vision of Quartz&Co.’s new space. The company specializes in the manufacturing of Canadian-made winter coats. The inspiration is Nordic, with a transparent, minimalist and sustainable design.

The layout of the space showcases the sewing workshop on the street, proudly saluting their Quebec design. To modulate the boutique experience, while preserving the open space, a lowered aluminum frame surrounds the exhibition niches. The space is multi-purpose and can become a gallery, boutique or event venue. The lighting adapts to different needs, nested behind the aluminum insertions.

The frame is inspired by netting, calling the workshop to mind. The intrinsic qualities of aluminum are revealed, and the anodized finish contributes to generating soft and subdued lighting.

Panneaux Muraluxe by Muraluxe Inc.
Bronze Winner / Industrial & Product Design
Special Award / Integration of Aluminum in Industrial & Product Design

At Muraluxe, aluminum composite is the basic substrate for the manufacture of Muraluxe panels, intended for shower and backsplash coverings. Its weight and flexibility are aspects that should not be overlooked when handling and transporting panels. Muraluxe’s technique allows to print directly on the aluminum panel opening a world of infinite customization!

In addition, it is possible to use different types of aluminum depending on the demand, the project or the durability required by the type of aluminum and the thickness of the panel.

About AluQuébec

As a federating body for all aluminum ecosystem actors, AluQuébec stimulates the development and enhancement of the value chain of the Quebec aluminum industry around concrete solutions. Its mission is to develop the full potential of the industry and increase the use of the material in Quebec.

AluQuébec thus acts as a lever for the Quebec aluminum industry by ensuring consistency and convergence between the primary sector, processing, equipment manufacturers and all bodies in innovation and R&D, in order to facilitate and promote global and promising actions beneficial for the entire Quebec ecosystem.

It is with an open mind that the AluQuébec team works with partners such as the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN to achieve common goals. The new category of special awards highlighting the integration of aluminum in architectural, design and built environment projects in Quebec is therefore an innovative idea that supports the growth and influence of the industry.

Find out more: aluquebec.com