Lafond Desjardins Dental Laboratory
Details
Motivated by the opportunity to create a more architecturally contributive building in an industrial zone of Laval, Quebec, ACDF has designed a project that is adapted to the needs of the client Lafond Desjardins and carefully crafted to reflect the company’s strengths as a dental implant provider.
Inspired by the different fabrication methods (molding, sculpting, modeling, etc.) employed by the laboratory, ACDF proposed a refined concept that relies on contrasts revealed by volumetric extractions. A feature of the project, and a real showcase for the business, is the double-height lobby whose spaciousness and abundance of natural light (filtered through screens made of metal chains) coming from the rooftop garden welcomes customers. Wooden volumes serve as nooks to try on molds in a more private setting.
The paleness of the lobby’s white walls and polished concrete floor contrasts with the building’s exterior, which relies on a darker materiality. This framework of inside-out evokes the opening of a mouth and is a nod to the workings of the facility. Outside, the stark, rectangular construction was chosen to make the most of the site’s size and municipal regulations, as well as provide a visual connection to the surrounding warehouses. The result is a distinctive but sober architecture – a rather opaque look – that offers workspaces bathed in light. It is a refined industrial building that contributes to the architectural landscape of the sector.
ACDF’s new construction is the result of a well-thought-out approach to creating a highly functional and architecturally sound industrial building. The architecture creates a sense of belonging for employees and helps to address the issues of labour shortage. The project juxtaposes the qualities of raw and dark with those of bright and refined, symbolizing what industrial areas may one day become.
On the first floor are workshops with many elements specific to the different techniques used to produce dental products. Each area has been judiciously positioned to provide a functional and acoustically appropriate work environment for the noise generated by the shaping and polishing of the ceramic, and to prevent dust from spreading to the common areas. To provide access to natural light for these workers, most areas are glazed and allow for views to the outside. The rooms are functional, performance-oriented workstations and designed with the well-being of the staff in mind.
The top floor, where the employee lounge and kitchen are located, opens onto two terraces. The common area has white kitchen countertops and cabinets and a dining area with a built-in bench, light wood tables and chairs. In keeping with the industrial character of the space, the ventilation ducts, mechanical equipment, and roof structure are exposed and painted white. This communal area doubles as an occasional event space where clients are invited to come and meet the team members and receive training on new manufacturing techniques.