coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building
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jun 24, 2012
first image
'glaxo smith kline administrative building' by coarchitecture, quebec city, canada
all images courtesy of coarchitecture
image © stéphane groleau, agence pure
quebec-based firm coarchitecture has completed the 'glaxo smith kline administrative building' in quebec city, canada.
to promote biodiversity and sustainable development, the landscape, which had poor soil quality and was void of vegetation,
was restored to its original state with the introduction of native plants and the replenishment of the groundwater to ensure growth.
the building's organic silhouette faces south, protected from solar heat gains by a system of sunshades integrated into a fully-glazed,
double-skinned envelope with translucent metal panels on the east and west sides.
on the north side, the building envelope is designed to conserve energy in the cold of winter. these techniques have been employed to provide comfortable,
indoor environments with natural light. full transparency on the south side permits the exposure of the wooden skeleton whose frames have been refined to
express the warm, organic characteristic desired. ecologically, this structure achieves carbon neutrality while contributing to the richness of the interior spaces.
solar control-double skin and perforated screen
based on bioclimatic principles, an energy efficient environment improves the quality of life of the workers. the main work areas were placed on the
north side to shield them from glare and fluctuations in solar radiation, and to provide an unobstructed outside view throughout the day.
a radiant heating system provides warmth while at the same time, soundproofing the wooden decking on the lower level.
chilled beams and acoustic panels that diffuse the light make up a customized system that allows the richness of the structural wood to be seen without
compromising the quality of the acoustics.
the south facade features interactive spaces and lounges where the occupants are encouraged to take their breaks and socialize in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
depending on their usage, the temperature in each of these spaces can be controlled through natural ventilation or by increasing direct solar radiation to create a rich,
energizing luminosity which acts as a form of light therapy.
detail of the double skin
main elevation
interactive spaces visible from outside
wooden structure and lobby
main lobby
interactive spaces
relaxation and socialization lounge
screen of perforated steel
'bubble' meeting spaces suspended in the lobby
working areas
project info:
architects: coarchitecture
location: quebec city, canada
program: administrative building for a biothechnology entreprise
project area: 37 000sqm
project year of completion: 2011
client: glaxo smith kline
photographs: stéphane groleau, agence pure
landscape architect: françois courville architecte paysagiste
structural engineers: sdk et associés
mechanical engineers: pageau morel et associés inc.
civil engineers: marchand houle construction manager: verreault
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