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Yulstay
By : Design Pascale Nakhlé
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Office / Office ≤ 5,400 sq.ft. (≤ 500 sq. m.) : Gold Certification
Categories : Office / Agile work Environment : Bronze Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Low Cost Design : Silver Certification
The Yulstay project consist in the reorganization of an 1100 sq.ft. commercial space, located on the ground floor of a condo tower in Old Montreal. The purpose of this transformation was to revise the layout of the space, which was initially the model unit for the condo project. The primary objective was therefore to plan a workspace adapted to the needs of a team of real estate brokers and advisors, that would reflect the company’s image.
The challenge throughout the project was to balance the limited space available with the long list of needs while staying within the established budget. By using creative layout strategies, integrating multi-functional furniture and recovering items and materials from the existing premises, it was possible to maximize the budget. The search for innovative solutions promoting dynamism and fluidity of the space, as well as budget optimization, were at the heart of all decisions during the process.
Requiring few enclosed rooms, the planning was done to position the offices requiring more privacy around the perimeter of the space, which naturally influenced the positioning of open work and transition zones in the center of the space. To meet the team’s need for flexibility, collaborative workstations and exchange zones were set up in the central portion.
The furniture integrated into the project was also thought through, to match the team’s need for versatility. In fact, the starting point for the layout was the central block in wood veneer, around which the various zones are organized. The central pillar of the layout, it integrates both a call booth and a coffee corner, in addition to concealed storage in the front.
Facing the central cabinet, a series of blocks at different levels have been juxtaposed so that each fulfills a different function. The lower section serves as reception furniture at the front, while the two upper sections are intended to serve as bar counters and event storage, as well as providing additional workspace. To avoid creating a continuous mass, the mix of materials and the superposition of open and closed modules, adds texture and interest in that zone.
A lounge section has been fitted out with a two-level banquette that can be used as a place for employees to relax, but also as an informal workspace. Initially planned to solve a universal accessibility issue, an additional bench seat was cleverly integrated, so that it could be moved as required and make the space modular. At the same time, the lounge was designed to be a place for employees to relax, but also for informal work.
With this design proposal, the primary intention was to adapt the space to the needs of its users and give them a workspace reflecting their image. Offering flexibility, this space is intended to be scalable and modular to meet the growing needs of this company.
Collaboration
Interior Designer : Design Pascale Nakhlé
