Maille Atelier Collaboratif develops unique concept for Rhéal Pitre Sports with Formica ColorCore®2 laminates
Maille Atelier Collaboratif was asked to design and construct all the built-in furniture for the Rheal Pitre Sports store in New Richmond, in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine administrative region.
In particular, the Maille Atelier Collaboratif team was tasked with designing all the superstore's counters, including the main checkout, coffee shop, bike shop, fitting room, and hunting and fishing counters.
This project aimed to draw on a common thread to create a strong theme throughout the store. Given that the sports store is located in New-Richmond on the Gaspé Peninsula, its customers and staff have a strong attachment to the Parc national de la Gaspésie, which served as the inspiration for the concept. Each counter features a topographical map engraved on the front, representing a mountain in the Parc national de la Gaspésie. This design throughline creates a sleek, considered look, with the topographical maps being a nod to the region and to outdoor sports, which are widely practiced in the Parc national de la Gaspésie.
For the design, the team applied ColorCore®2 laminate in New White with a matte finish (7223C-58) over plywood on the counter fronts and tops. By using ColorCore®2 laminate, the project was completed within the client's budget, without compromising on durability or looks. On the counter fronts, the laminate was engraved using a CNC machine to create 1/8-inch-thick lines representing the different relief lines of the mountains.
“Formica® brand products are durable, highly versatile, and aesthetically pleasing. Since they are available in a wide variety of colors and designs and affordable, they allow us to create projects that stand out while respecting our customers' budgets,” says Laura-Anne Lamarche, Project Manager and Architect.
Producing the cutting files for the contour lines, which were CNC'd by a subcontractor, was a major challenge for this project. Many details were taken into account to yield a result that lived up to expectations. One of the key elements was understanding how the tools used in the manufacturing process worked so that the contour lines were aligned from one panel to the next. And, given the size of the counters, several joints were necessary. Moreover, to keep within budget and avoid wasting material, the team sought to optimize the laminate sheets used, which required even greater precision.
The result of the team’s efforts lived up to both the team’s and the client’s expectations; the project’s unique design faithfully represents the Rhéal Pitre Sports store.
