Astrolabe
Constructed in Cleunay, Rennes as part of its’ urban renewal, the project is located on a restricted site bordering Rue Jules Vallès the municipalitys’ western gateway. The triangular-shaped site runs east to west with a difference in level of 1.2 metres which is integrated into the overall project conception.
A radically sober design contributes to the buildings’ impact incorporating a structural approach of a slab and column skeleton with a system of prefabricated polished white concrete cladding panels.
Conceived as the headquarters of the RÉALITÉS Group, the offices provide an optimized response to the overall need for well-being in the workplace. Natural light floods the workspaces determined by the rhythm of the façade. Informal outdoor, corridor like, spaces create a place for employees to relax and ‘take a breather’ while also serving as a form of solar gain control a bio-climatically sensible plus.
The building is comprised of six levels of office space and a basement parking level. The ground floor features a double height glazed façade which creates a direct unbroken link between interior and exterior. The upper floors are characterised by their cantilevered form with open terraces, which allow freedom of access to the occupants for a moments relaxation while admiring the view.
The façades are clad with outsized polished concrete panels, to sill height, their grid determined by the internal plan layouts. The structural framework is thus revealed and large urban windows established that interact naturally with the city landscape.
The external staircase functions as an extension of the façades and corridors and acts as a unifying element for all levels.
