‘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.

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 2 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.

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 3 detail of the double skin

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 4 main elevation

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 5 interactive spaces visible from outside

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 6 wooden structure and lobby

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 7 main lobby

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 8 interactive spaces

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 9 relaxation and socialization lounge

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 10 screen of perforated steel

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 11 ‘bubble’ meeting spaces suspended in the lobby

coarchitecture: glaxo smith kline administrative building - 12 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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