Leaving no stone unturned, they rigorously analysed the colours, materials and shapes in the surrounding area, before designing this complex. In collaboration with Terreal, they placed samples of the planned glazing and rainscreen cladding side-by-side to observe them in daylight, first in the fresh, white light of morning, and then in the soft, shimmering evening light. As a result of these experiments, they made different choices for each part of the façades and even for each side of the building.
From the outside, therefore, the observer thinks they are looking at three separate buildings, with different shades, window sizes and materials. While on the inside, users benefit from complete continuity in terms of atmosphere and flow within a single building. An unsuspected duality! Terreal rainscreen cladding was selected for this project in four different colours, found on many buildings elsewhere in Laval: stone and clay grey on the side facing the street, shades that are much used in residential architecture; and glossy glazed white and glazed grey on the side opposite the station, for a more “high tech” look. This modernity effect was accentuated by the rainscreen cladding’s 30x120 format and the detailed layout that pixelates and enlivens the façade with the fewest openings. The actual shape of the building differs too: the top floor has a sloped appearance, reminiscent of the attics typical of the region’s architecture and providing continuity with the adjacent hotel on the station side of the building. A project of which the eye never wearies!
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Laval , France
Le Trèfle, Ilôt Garot
What if diversity resulted in unity? That’s the principle idea behind the plan for the Îlot Garot office and business centre in Laval. A building combining offices and businesses, located between the railway station and a residential street, right in the centre of town. The place was a real heat sieve, very uncomfortable for users, and was in need of complete renovation. The answer provided by the Vasconi firm of architects was to ensure the new HEQ building fitted into its environment as much as possible, so local residents would completely accept it as their own at first glance and passers-by would sense the continuity of the neighbourhood.
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Year of delivery
2019
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Location
Laval France
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Architect / signatory
VASCONI Architectes
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Project owner
Nexity
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Installation company
LUCAS Le Mans
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Photograph
Marc Knecht
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Product name
Zephir Evolution (Piterak Slim equivalent)
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Product form
Standard
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Epidermis texture
Through body colour
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Surface appearance
Plain natural, Glazed
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Color
Stone Colour, Clay Grey, White Glazed & Light Grey Glazed
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Work
Renovation
Titre d'article
A unique, many-sided structure
The word of
VASCONI Architectes, Architect
InterviewNicolas Ghanbar, architect at Vasconi
We took a long time selecting, combining and arranging materials, forms and colours. But this work is essential in my view, as it’s the overall effect of all these little details that makes the difference. Terracotta was a must, because of the possibilities it presents as regards colour and format, but also, and above all, because of its easy adaptation to residential architecture. It offers the concrete expression of modernity and authenticity. Moreover, clay is a pure, living, eco-friendly, long-lasting material… and always stays clean. Buildings made with terracotta that are over a hundred years old still look just as beautiful, they age well. I’m confident in the durability of what we have created.”
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Year of delivery
2019
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Location
Laval France
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Architect / signatory
VASCONI Architectes
-
Project owner
Nexity
-
Installation company
LUCAS Le Mans
-
Photograph
Marc Knecht
-
Product name
Zephir Evolution (Piterak Slim equivalent)
-
Product form
Standard
-
Epidermis texture
Through body colour
-
Surface appearance
Plain natural, Glazed
-
Color
Stone Colour, Clay Grey, White Glazed & Light Grey Glazed
-
Work
Renovation