The challenge was to refurbish a symbolic building in Vihiers town center and extend it to house the library on the first floor and the music school upstairs. Orientations had to be optimized to achieve a balance between views of the distant landscape and protection from the sun.
The project involved refurbishing and extending the library and music school complex. The existing building had large red ochre brick arches. They have been restored and are visible both inside the building and outside on the patio. We wanted the extension to be contemporary yet echo the local heritage. The volume created, with a very low-pitched roof, is clad in light stone-tone brickwork. Brick is also used as an architectural element, forming sun-breaking louvers on the west facade, providing natural light but blocking the sun's rays.
Using materials from Les Rairies Montrieux, we were able to create the running and curved facades with cladding panels, as well as the sunshade panels with Moucharabieh bricks, all in the same uniform shade. The existing building has been restored to its former glory, and its extension uses sober, durable materials that respect the historic character of the town center: traditional materials in a contemporary architectural style.
