Rixheim I

The agricultural context on the one hand and a vast area of residential expansion on the other, suggested an imposing architecture, well integrated into the landscape compared to local architectural models. The volume of the model taken as a reference is the archetype of Alsatian architecture which, repeated in several modules, makes it possible to obtain a variable and more suited building for public use rather than private use.

The strongest sign is the roof, which brings together all the functions under a single architectural element, punctuated on the succession of the different spans and facade. The site characteristics prompted us to design a single building which, thanks to the concentration of all the functions of phase 1, allows real economic savings, both in terms of site costs and operating costs.

The building, located to North in a parallel position to the lot limit, creates a functional and large internal service yard, always keeping an ideal distance from the town.This type of implantation allows a total absence of temporary areas. This optimization also allowed us to think about the future, leaving the possibility of placing a massing in the South for phase 2, similar in architectural writing, but not necessarily in form.

The proposal defines a strong and simple architecture, a building of an industrial character mitigated by the logic of the pre-existing sloping roofs. This concept ideasuggested two very different facades.The north facade benefits from constant indirect light reaching through a translucent material such as polycarbonate; very efficient material from a thermal and acoustic point of view, soft and domestic in relation to the surrounding context. The facade facing south, on the opposite, is compact and majestic, thanks to a studied integration of technical elements such as the numerous sectional doors and the porch roof, concedes a more expressive and communicative image with the exterior of the landscape. This porch roof, developed by sliding 3 meters from the south facade inwards, gives continuity to the front and provides shelter to all workers during the most arduous period.

In this way the proposed architectural solution avoids the industrial aspect of the building linked to its function and responds in a simple way to the program, transforming, through a careful research and design, the numerous details into friendly solutions with ordinary materials.

The project defines the construction of the building with low consumption, obtained either by the design of the envelope and the technical equipment. The materials chosen, such as wood on the facade, are ecological and available in the surrounding area. The control of solar exposure is obtained by fixed protections, such as sunshades and porch roof; and the ventilation is guaranteed by a double-flow mechanical ventilation system. The domestic hot water supply is integrated from a set of glazed solar collectors placed on the roof. Lastly, the costs for watering green spaces is contained by making a buried water collection tank.

Material Used :
1. Concrete structure: C.L.Bsarl – Witzenheim (FR)
2. Metal carpentry structure: Renk Emile S.A.
3. Roof: Gasmai
4. Façade cladding: Bové
5. External metal carpentry: Jacob sas – Lutterbach (FR)
6. Sectional doors: Roman
7. Ceiling: Régoplatreriesarl – Lautenbach (FR)
8. Electrical system: Eiffage Energie – Wittenheim (FR)
9. Hydraulic system: Labeaune
10. Smith: C.M.S.
11. Internal metal carpentry: Bagnolini
12. Lifting devices: Alsace Fluides Technic
13. Vrd : Sarmacs

Main suppliers:
1. Roof: VM Zinc
2. External metal carpentry: Schüco
3. Polycarbonate: Everlite
4. Sectional doors: Hormann

An agricultural context on the one side and a large residential expansion area on the other, have led to the development of an imposing architecture, well integrated with the landscape with respect to the local architectural styles. the volume of the model taken as a reference is the archetype of the architecture of Alsace that, when repeated in several modules, permits a variable volume to be obtained that is more suitable for public rather than private buildings.

The most striking feature, therefore, is the roof, where all functions are grouped together under a single architectural element, marked on the facade by the succession of the various spans. located to the north and parallel to the boundary of the plot, this building creates a functional and spacious internal service courtyard, keeping an ideal distance from town to the north. Such an optimization is owed to a reflection oriented towards the future, leaving the possibility of constructing complementary volumes towards the south, similar in its composition but not necessarily in shape.

Finally, proportion defines a strong yet simple building, with an industrial character mitigated through the logic of its pre-existing pitched roofs. At the base of the system, this idea has suggested the development of two very different facades. The north-facing facade benefits from a constant indirect light, which penetrates through a polycarbonate translucent material; it is highly efficient in terms of its thermal and acoustic efficiency, soft and familiar in relation to the surrounding context. The facade works as a mediating element between the internal functions and the external landscape, using sunlight as a source of light and emerging as a sort of magical lantern in the evening.