This building from the 60's, initially meant to be an architecture office, has hosted several tertiary activities before returning to its first assignment. The structure therefore had to be entirely revisited. Thankfully, the existing lay-out allowed for some flexibility which revealed useful to accommodate the new functions.

We implemented three different programs :

° the groundfloor was torn down to the basic steel structure ;

° the basement, previously used as a storage area, central heating room and a garage - with access only from the outside - was connected to the groundfloor by the addition of a staircase in the central core ;

° the rear facade was broadened on its full length.

The building now welcomes :

° on the ground floor, a back office, together with a reception desk, an adaptable open space

for 8 to 14 people, a meeting room and the flow corridor located in its center ;

° the basement now hosts the « technical » rooms such as the heating unit, the kitchen, the archives and the toilets.

It is raised on a half-buried base made from heavy materials such as bricks and concrete, on which is laid its steel structure. The undergrounds were insulated, then cladded with new khaki grey extra-long bricks.

The upper story, in a severe condition, had to undergo heavier transformation. Solely, the original steel structure was kept as : a grid made of nine 4 x 4m squares, for a total skeleton of 12 x 12 m.

° the old aluminum window frames were replaced by triple glazed curtain walls;

° these curtain walls are sheltered from overheating either by horizontal aluminum blinds or by rotating Cor-ten steel shutters;

° the opaque parts are made of concrete blocks, insulation and a Cor-ten cladding.

This construction system provides for a large flexibility, with only 4 columns in the central area of the building. In respect for their original lay-out, facades were composed with opaque and transparent parts, filling chassis and cladding. The facades of the building are constantly changing according to weather conditions, opening schedules and the occupants' mood, thanks to the rotating Cor-ten steel shutters. You obtain a dynamic and living facade.

The initial vertical rhythm of the building was kept with the use of elements such as rotating shutters, curtain walls, ..., and was accentuated by resorting to 3 different shutter widths. The appropriate combination of materials, plus opaque/translucent elements, resulted in this rust-tinted minimalist and dynamic sculpture, fully integrated in an allotment of pavilions.