Cultural centre in Challes-les Eaux
challes-les-eaux (73)
construction of a cultural centre as an extension of an existing project
client: ville de challes-les-eaux
competition 2015
1 500 sq.m.
Starting point of the project, the existing building embodies an iconic location for the city, by its history and distinctive architecture. Bringing a new drawing leads to a double issue: link the various functions and mark the presence of the facility in the territory. The extension aims to give a representative role to the whole place. For that, it relies on the existing building's force lines by reaching its height. The buildings' similar volumetries create a dialogue between one another. The contrast between materials seem more exacerbated thanks to their proximity and gives them the possibility to exist on their own.
The envelope displays its roof facets like a gemstone extracted from the rocks. Composed of a double skin, its form, colour and materiality remind the surrounding mountains. Thanks to this double skin, the backlit roof hides the fire escapes. The base is lighter to contrast with the roof. The metal slides act like a filter punctuating the façade, giving the building a more intelligible dimension on a human scale. The subtle kinetic effect obtained thanks to the shadows of the slides, give this base some kind of depth.
Being truly open to the outside, the entrance is stated. The hall is welcoming: it opens on the forecourt and is light-bathed. It is the focal point of the project: it connects every functionalities and takes place close to the existing building to get connected with it too.
Natural light is an important matter here: missing in the cultural room (which still has its own opening on the forecourt), controlled in the dojo thanks to the holes in the roof, more direct on the groundfloor reception and on level one for workshops. Direct light is brought thanks to the bay-windows opening on outdoor spaces (forecourt, terraces), offering beautiful views on the landscape.