International project:
Au Pain Doré
DYNAMIC
T
he design of ‘Au pain doré’ is based on
the European concept of a ‘bakery/
café’ that combines the sale of freshly
baked products with high quality coffee
where the barista is put at center stage.
The interior space has been completely
redesigned with an extension at the
back offering a total floor space of 140
square meters. To make this rather
narrow and linear space configuration more dynamic,
the architects introduced a wooden structure made
entirely of American tulipwood slats. “The spatial
concept of the project was inspired by the lattice of
Nature Humaine, a Montreal based architectural practice was
challenged to find a new contemporary look for ‘Au Pain Doré’, a
bakery chain. This retail store, which has been entirely refitted,
is located on the ground floor of a three storey building in the
Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood of Montreal.
wicker bread baskets,” explains Stéphane Rasselet, the
architect in charge of the project. “The randomized
rhythmic lattice provides a dynamic experience the
moment you enter the bakery.”
A structural wooden frame with vertical elements
at regular intervals holds a series of tulipwood slats
that have been disposed randomly in the ceiling
space to create a trellis work that opens and closes to
create gaps for lighting and ventilation. The creamy
white tones of tulipwood really stand out against the
black surfaces of the ceiling above. The lattice wraps
down the wall turning into shelves for the bread and
pastries as well as benches and counter tops.
“We were looking for a wood species for this project
that offered interesting