Dezeen Magazine

Au Pain Doré bakery by Naturehumaine features slatted wood ceiling

Wooden planks add warmth to the otherwise monochrome interior of this bakery and coffee shop in Montreal by local architects Naturehumaine (+ slideshow).

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Naturehumaine was challenged to give this branch in the Au Pain Doré chain a contemporary look when reorganising and extending the bakery, located on the ground floor of a three-storey building in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood.

"The spatial concept of the project was inspired by the lattice of wooden bread baskets," said the architects. "The randomised rhythmic lattice provides a dynamism experienced as you enter the bakery."

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

A frame of wooden beams and supports is inserted along the narrow space, with vertical elements at regular intervals.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Lengths of wood are attached between the beams, leaving gaps to allow better ventilation and to expose the black surface above.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

The timber is also used to create shelves, tops and panels for the serving counter, which runs along the full length of one wall in the main space.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

The barista area is located at the front of the unit, where bar seating is positioned along the glass frontage facing the street.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

A kink in the serving counter denotes the move into to the bakery area further along and allows for further seating against the opposite wall.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

White tiles line both walls, contrasting with the black kitchen units, shelf brackets and menu board.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Glass display units built into the counter and shelving behind the preparation area are designed to show off the baked produce.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Higher wood panels hide the adjacent kitchen from view, while a black box contains the washrooms.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

The top of the box extends across the ceiling to break up the wooden lattice, separating the serving area on one side and the dining space on the other.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Tables and bench seating furnish the rear portion, which looks out onto a small terrace through full-height windows.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine

Spotlights and exposed bulbs are hung from the ceiling to illuminate the shop, suspended over work surfaces and eating spots.

Au Pain Dore by Naturehumaine
Floor plan – click for larger image

Photography is by Adrien Williams.