meier + associés architectes

This building is characterised by a striated metal envelope incorporating broad bands of glass. To achieve the very simple line of the façade, great attention has been paid to the design detail and choice of materials. The abstraction sought by the architect at the conceptual stage has been reinforced in the construction stage, by means of an unornamented band of glass, and solid sections in fine bands of stove-enamelled, anthracite aluminium, which ensure material continuity. The long windows are in bonded glass, with blinds integrated in the double-glazing.

Current building regulations require that the “habitable” space addresses the presence of a large underground natural gas pipe to the northeast. This has resulted in loggias being placed at three levels to provide an external extension to the adjoining spaces.

The workspaces are free of any structural constraints, and have been partitioned at the request of the client. The glass partitions that separate the corridors from the offices are specially designed for optimum transparency and, at the same time, incorporate micro-perforated blinds. All floors are covered in bamboo parquet that echoes the suspended ceiling of extruded aluminium sheets.

The offices are heated, cooled and ventilated with “all air” geothermal technology, which uses neither radiators nor underfloor heating. The reversible heat pump delivers a comfortable working environment in winter, and cooled air in summer. The decision to use this technology was made in recognition of the need for sustainable development.