The Panache House

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Office / Office 5,400 - 54,000 sq.ft. (500 - 5 000 sq. m.) : Silver certification

Categories : Office / Office: Creative & New Tech Firms : Silver certification

The Maison Panache project originated from the co-founders of Panache Jeux Numériques' desire to expand and update their offices. The design objectives were to offer a welcoming workplace while preserving the industrial character of the Cooper Building and the company's family spirit. Now occupying the entire 7th floor, the new studio doubles the number of workstations and integrates new functions necessary for comfort, as well as for the design and production of video games.

Overall, the project focuses on the center of the floor to free up the existing facades and views towards Montreal icons like Mount Royal and the Olympic Stadium. The three main spaces of the studio (the Workshop, No Man's Land, and the Lounge) are organized around a long common wall whose materiality evolves with the narrative framework. From one space to another, the main wall organizes, guides, and supports the studio's activities while hiding secret rooms.

The Workshop opens up the entire width of the building's facade, allowing plenty of natural light. Inspired by the industrial past of this former textile factory, adjustable and ergonomic workstations are arranged in successive rows just like the seamstresses' tables were in the 1930s. Above, linear lights with direct and indirect lighting punctuate the space, ensuring comfort for the eyes of these virtual universe creators. Ordered and rigid, the plan is crossed by a large diagonal that facilitates and energizes movement.

In No Man's Land, the common wall's framework is predominant and extends along the entire length of the corridor. Portions of the wall allow access to the different office functions: lobby, conference room, server room, and restrooms. The doors are concealed within the framework to streamline the aesthetic and create surprise.

The main wall's framework ends with the kitchen located in the Lounge. This portion of the studio is dedicated to social life, games, and gatherings. The spirit is freer and more vibrant. All elements are oversized to accommodate all employees.

From the first discussions in January 2020, the decision to include a client team in the design process was made. In collaboration with this team, the creation process unfolded in the form of creative sessions. Over the course of meetings, the program became detailed, and the vision became clearer. At the end of this process, a strong narrative framework emerged to create a design based on the site's history and the company's identity.

The solutions proposed by all thus facilitated the realization of this welcoming and appropriable work environment by its occupants.

The project in images