Natural light and the flexibility of the spaces were the keys to the high-impact intervention that PAULO MERLINI architects created for the new headquarters of EGOI+CLAVEL'S KITCHEN, two rapidly growing companies that needed to expand the physical space available to them. The main challenge was to fluidly connect the old and new warehouse, at the same time creating a dynamic between the two companies which, although distinct, work in synergy.
The EGOI+CLAVEL´S KITCHEN project, created by the Paulo Merlini Architects architectural studio, is an intervention whose main objective was to expand the physical space of two companies, E-goi and Clavel's kitchen. In fact, the two owners of the companies already had a warehouse adjacent to the intervention area available, but with the exponential growth of their activities, expansion of the company space became necessary.
The main challenge of this project was to interconnect the two warehouses in order to create a single fluid and natural space, and to create a dynamic between the two companies, which, although distinct, work in synergy. Another important challenge was to create a space in line with the corporate culture, which in this case is rather informal, but extremely professional.
To meet the needs of the two companies, an extremely versatile space was designed, which includes a new photo room, several meeting rooms, some formal and some informal, video call booths and a dining room capable of accommodating at least one hundred people at the same time.
To achieve all this, the architects distributed a series of wooden boxes, in which all the closed spaces, meeting rooms, bathrooms and video call booths were integrated. The distribution of these functions heterogeneously in space, in a sort of organized chaos, guarantees great spatial versatility and creates a series of nooks and spaces that allow for different forms of appropriation, each with a distinctive personality.
Another important concern was to ensure that all spaces were well lit by natural light. For this reason, the facade was completely glazed, allowing for a strong visual relationship with the main artery of the city and giving a scenic effect to the daily life of the two companies.
To ensure a fluid and natural relationship between the three floors, the architects designed a concrete ramp with a strong sculptural character that characterizes the entire space and interconnects the three floors. At the top of the ramp, a skylight illuminates the three floors and reveals the structure of reciprocating bars that support the ramp, elegantly proposed by the engineer.
The EGOI+CLAVEL´S KITCHEN project by Paulo Merlini Architects responded to the needs of the two companies, creating a versatile and dynamic space, in line with the informal but extremely professional corporate culture of the two companies.
project info
Project name: EGOI+CLAVEL´S KITCHEN
Architecture Office: PAULO MERLINI architects
Main Architect: Paulo Merlini / Andre Santos Silva
Website: www.paulomerlini.com
Email: office@paulomerlini.com/press@paulomerlini.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulomerliniarq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulo_merlini_architects/
Location: Avenida Meneres/ Matosinhos
Year of conclusion: 2020
total area: 2800 sq/m
Architectural photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
Website: www.ivotavares.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivotavaresstudio
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivotavaresstudio
