PROJECT ELEPAC

PROJECT ARCHITECT CLAUDE BORG

2015 | Arch-con Atelier

Design Concept

The factory was conceived in response to a highly functional brief, with the objective of creating an efficient industrial environment capable of meeting both current operational requirements and future demands. From the outset, the design approach was driven by the principle that the architecture should emerge directly from the processes taking place within the building.

The brief required the careful integration of a diverse range of functions, including trailer access and manoeuvring, sophisticated storage and warehousing systems, areas accommodating both heavy and light machinery, employee parking, and dedicated amenities for staff and directors. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing clear and efficient circulation routes, allowing materials, components and finished products to move logically through the various stages of production.

The study of these production flows: from the arrival of raw materials through manufacturing, storage and final dispatch: became one of the principal generators of the design. The positioning, scale and relationship of the different spaces were developed around this operational sequence. As a result, the final architectural form was not conceived as an independent aesthetic gesture, but as a direct expression of the factory's functionality and internal organisation.

Sustainability was equally fundamental to the concept. The project aimed to create a low-carbon industrial building with minimal dependence on artificial lighting and reduced operational energy requirements, working towards nearly zero carbon emissions. High-level, ribbon-like windows were integrated throughout the building to introduce natural daylight deep into the production and working areas. Beyond becoming a defining architectural element of the elevations, these continuous openings reduce the requirement for artificial lighting during daytime operation and contribute to the environmental performance of the factory.

Construction site with a partially built concrete structure, open space underneath, and a clear blue sky. A woman and part of a person in a red jacket are visible in the foreground.

Large, open indoor construction site with concrete floor, white walls, and visible ceiling beams, with a few workers and construction materials scattered around.

Interior of a large, under-construction industrial or warehouse building with a high ceiling, an overhead crane, and construction vehicles parked inside.

Construction site of an interior space with white walls, large windows, and a high ceiling. There is a blue dock leveler labeled 'arno' at the entrance, and building materials are visible in the background.

Interior of an unfinished building with concrete pillars, ceiling, and stairs, and construction materials on the floor.

Construction site of a building with visible concrete columns and gray walls. Two workers are present; one is wearing an orange safety vest and black helmet, standing near a black object, and another worker wearing a yellow safety vest is on a balcon

Modern white multi-story building under construction with unfinished balconies and open windows, overcast sky.

Close-up of a modern building's exterior wall with windows and white and dark gray panels on a cloudy day.

Modern building under construction with large windows and white exterior walls, blue sky with clouds in the background.

Under construction multi-story building with gray and white exterior walls, multiple square and rectangular windows, and visible interior construction elements.

A modern multi-story building under construction with exposed concrete stairways, white and gray exterior walls, and large horizontal windows, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Modern building under construction with white exterior walls and large glass windows, some windows are open, and construction materials are visible at the base.

Under construction modern concrete building with open window spaces and a red dumpster and container underneath against a clear blue sky.

Construction site with partially built modern buildings, trees, a dumpster, and a clear blue sky.

The construction methodology followed the same principles of efficiency and rationalisation. The building was assembled predominantly from prefabricated elements, including insulated wall panels, while the structural columns and beams were designed to form carefully considered connections incorporating in-situ concrete. This approach allowed construction efficiency and structural performance to complement the functional requirements of the building.

Despite the inherently modular nature of prefabricated construction, the architecture was not dictated by the construction system alone. Instead, the system was adapted to respond to the operational requirements of the factory. Structure, envelope, daylight, circulation and production were considered as interconnected elements of a single design strategy.

The resulting factory is therefore an expression of its purpose: an industrial building in which form, structure and environmental performance developed directly from function. Its architectural identity is the consequence of understanding how the factory operates: allowing production flow, logistics, natural light, energy efficiency and the wellbeing of its users to collectively determine the final result.

Modern building with large glass windows and concrete structure, with parking underneath and a clear blue sky.

A black and white photo of a building exterior, showing a corner with a wall that has two small windows and a balcony with metal railing.

Modern multi-story building with white walls and large windows under a cloudy sky.

Modern multi-story building with large windows, seen from behind a graffiti-covered wall on a cloudy day.

Modern multi-story building with large glass windows, white and gray exterior walls, and a chain-link fence in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.

Empty manufacturing or industrial space with blue machines labeled C6 to C10, overhead lighting, and ceiling with air vents.

Empty grocery store shelves with some boxes and carts in a large industrial space. Black and white photo.

An industrial or manufacturing workspace with multiple blue Sumitomo equipment units labeled C1, C2, C3, and A3 arranged in a row, with a concrete floor and a high ceiling.

Empty modern office space with glass partitions, desks, and chairs.

Modern office lounge area with red and black armchairs, glass coffee table, and large glass-walled conference rooms with desks and chairs visible behind. Potted plant and ceiling lights enhance the space.

An empty modern office conference room with glass walls, a wooden table, black chairs, and large windows letting in natural light.

Empty office room with glass walls, black office desks, chairs, and desktop computers, illuminated by natural light from large windows.

Modern office lobby with gray tile flooring, white walls, and large glass windows. There are orange and black cube seats in the center, a glass-walled conference room with chairs behind it, potted plants, and lighting fixtures on the ceiling.

An empty modern office hallway with glass-walled conference rooms on the right, white walls, gray tile flooring, and a ceiling with exposed concrete and lighting fixtures. There are some red and black seating chairs near the back and a potted plant.

Empty modern office with glass walls, black desks, and chairs, illuminated by natural light from large windows.

Empty office hallway with glass-walled meeting rooms, conference table, chairs, and an exit sign

Modern interior lobby with gray tile flooring, white walls, rectangular ceiling lights, framed pictures on the wall, a black and red sofa, and a doorway with glass panels. Emergency exit sign visible.