La Maison Simons

Québec City, Canada

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METRO Distribution Centre

La Maison Simons

Québec City, Canada

Firm

GKC Architecture & Design

Type

Commercial › Office
Industrial › Factory Warehouse

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2020

SIZE

500,000 sqft - 1,000,000 sqft

The Maison Simons project involves the design and construction of a state-of-the-art distribution centre with adjoining office space for a large chain of retail clothing and home decor stores.

With a clear focus on minimizing the building’s environmental impact, its footprint was based on bioclimatic design principles, such as sunlight studies, to promote user comfort and energy efficiency while also preserving the surrounding woodland.

The offices are located in the front, facing south; perspectives and viewpoints were carefully studied from inside out and outside in, to maximize the effects of transparency and connection with nature. Informed by the raw materials of the textile industry, the office building brings together two interlocking volumes —one solid, the other transparent – both highlighting the artistic and innovative vision of the company’s brand.

Floating above a glazed base, the solid volume is a seemingly weightless, cloud-like structure, a symbol of reflection and creativity. The aluminum paneling represents the interlacing threads of woven materials – a nod to the company’s fashion offering. Creating a vibrant interplay of light and shadow, the subtle rhythm also suggests the state-of-the-art technology underlying the company’s e-commerce and logistics found in the back of the building.

The smaller, glazed volume that emerges out of the main façade houses common areas. It provides grand spaces bathed in natural light for employees. Smooth and sleek, it also symbolizes the refinement of textiles as end-product of the weaving process.

Significant glazing was also included in the rear, where the highly complex distribution activities take place. These facades were also treated with an artistic flair, into simple yet elegant patterns – translating the company’s commitment to aesthetics.

In keeping with Simons’ innovative and community-driven brand, the project puts employee well-being first, while being sensitive to the environment, energy efficient, flexible and aesthetically inspiring.