LA GLORIETTE

TOURS (37) - 2004 - 2005
CLIENT: City of Tours, Department of Parks and Gardens.
BRIEF: Lobby, Activity Centre, Offices, and Public Amenities.
AREA: 270 m2 net
COST: 270.000 €

In a flood prone area of the Cher River Valley "la Gloriette", the City of Tours wished to convert an existing barn into the "Community House of the Gloriette" to accommodate community activities, leisure and education.

The brief required the obligatory reception and public conveniences, but also offices and a main activity hall. The activity hall was a double storey volume with a timber mezzanine area to the rear. This simple division of space was sufficient to divide the various functional areas required; film projection, workshop areas, meeting and reading areas on the upper level.

The spirit of the agricultural origins is preserved through a respectful and discrete renovation. The choice of materials and their simple application help uplift the existing spaces. The existing timber roof beams are exposed and highlighted. The traditional style render was brushed back to reveal parts of the original stonework. The interior fittings and furnishings also follow the style set by the traditional farm timbers. However, in contrast to and in complement to this traditional spirit, the new structural elements retain in their natural state, for example the exposed, untreated concrete, acknowledges the contemporary change of use. The sobriety and minimalism of the modern architectural addition is complementary and in keeping with the austerity and functionality of the traditional farm architecture.

The exterior landscaping of the building follows the theme set by the architecture.



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