The Factory by Matthew Architecture

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In approaching this project for an office building started thinking about all the block a few buildings that left gaps between them to think about light and air over the emptiness. So we began to see the building as a mass that was the avenue Émile Zola, as a complex volume. We also had some experience with this type of building (size, depth …) that almost automatically put them in the drawings and models. I always start well, with a very abstract as base.

The history and location of the building must also be taken into account. In this case, we are in the former Renault factory (I remembered the old stories of 68 and the film Godard Eloge de l’amour, shot there shortly before its demolition). But when we arrived was a huge void, available and beautiful. And you had to build a new part of town. In fact, as an architect I like to experience this feeling of emptiness to be filled and take responsibility to make it clear.

The main constraints of the place were the streets, the inner courtyard, the other close colleagues … The relationship with the street is that the building will fold and protect the pavement, urban gesture is a very impressive move to the side of a building while the time under him. It is a new contemporary version of the old arcades. The building welcomes you, while protecting you and let you gently when you go through it. Also the building opens on the ground and connects you to the inner garden, which is not very big but very beautiful. The upper profile of the building is not horizontal but inclined, adjusted to different heights and increasing the dynamic surrounding the leak perspective.

Obviously, the program also had restrictions, producing some outstanding results: both offices as generic space, flexible, open to the future user. And also some unique areas: entrance, restaurant, conference rooms, hallways I hope it mitifiquen. It is a type of project that seeks clarity and regularity, which we have added (hopefully) new complexities. For example, seeing the facade made of a constellation of different windows, the interior vibrates attractive multiple.

However, this is a building designed in volume and thickness, not just skin. The facades are concrete structural walls and have given a major technological challenge. But the real builders love these challenges. The proportion and size of the holes are related to the contractural performance of the building. On the walls (which I would have liked to leave unseen), energetic reasons have forced a thick thermal insulation protected by large sheets of aluminum. The side walls in continuity with the roof are of zinc, a traditional material and craftsmanship, with great urban tradition.

Public Building, : The Factory by Matthew Architecture2

Public Building, : The Factory by Matthew Architecture3

Another important factor is the response of the building before the HQE, high quality environmental standards in France for the management of environmental impact. The building has a large thermal mass, insulated and sealed. At its south side, the windows are delayed to protect from the sun and overlook the big trees of the garden. Mechanical equipment containing the maximum progress in this regard, the design integrates the building without being juxtaposed. A particularly impressive on the cover, which is used as the building tilted to integrate all the machines. The technology present but invisible.