rossignol global headquarters by herault arnod architectes

rossignol global headquarters by hérault arnod architectes
photo by andrè morin
all images courtesy of hérault arnod architectes

set amid the mountainous landscape of southern france, hérault arnod architectes has completed the global headquarters of winter-sports manufacturer rossignol. the design questions the conventional typology associated with office buildings, and introduces a sleek undulating structure which references the region’s rugged terrain. the scheme involves amalgamating several different programs under one roof, bringing together the racing ski team workshops and various showrooms, in addition to office space. as a result, a synergy is established which removes divisions among design, service and technology.

the undulating structure references the region’s rugged terrain
photo by andrè morin

approaching the building the timber-clad roof plane rises gradually, forming a canopy which covers the workshops before descending to enclose the site’s offices. intertwining nature with architecture, birch trees are planted across the outdoor terrace which seemingly grow out of the structure. the irregular configuration of the project means that extensions can be added over time without upsetting the balance or identity of the plan.

the skin of the building uses only two materials – natural larch wood and glass
photo by andrè morin

the interior of the complex is envisioned as a ‘hive’, allowing different functions to interact – producing spaces where colleagues can work and congregate informally. social zones are distributed throughout the design, while a restaurant sits at the highest point of the site where two expansive glass skylights offer panoramic views across the landscape.

the timber-clad roof plane rises gradually, forming a canopy which covers the workshops
photo by andrè morin

the skin of the building uses only two materials – natural larch and glass – while technical elements are hidden, resulting in a pure and unified finish. the structure’s steel frame allows internal spans of 15 meters which results in free and flexible volumes. from an environmental perspective, high levels of insulation and solar shading mean that energy costs are reduced. the heat produced by machines in the workshop is recovered and re-injected into the heating network, while the offices receive natural ventilation through automated window openings.

a roof terrace offers an outdoor area of recreation and congregation
photo by andrè morin

the scheme involves amalgamating several different programs under one roof
photo by andrè morin

the entrance foyer of the expansive complex
photo by andrè morin

a dining area offers panoramic views towards the mountainous landscape
photo by andrè morin

carefully placed apertures in the roof plane bring natural light inside the scheme
photo by gilles cabella

external areas of the design provide shelter from the passing street
photo by gilles cabella

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project info:

location: centr’alp 2 – la buisse – saint jean de moirans (38), france
client: skis rossignol SAS
project management: hérault arnod architectes
project team: jérôme moenne-loccoz (project manager), alexandre pachiaudi, camille bérar, nicolas broussous, matthias jäger
competition team: florent bellet, adela ciurea, israel lopez vargas, alexandre pachiaudi with françois deslaugiers (for the panoramic lift)
structure – batiserf
fluids – nicolas ingénierie
economist – michel forgue
landscape – cap paysages
assistants to the contracting authority: cotéba, génie des lieux – space planning
area: 11,572 sqm (net floorspace)
program: offices and open spaces for administrative departments, R&D, design, etc, racing skis workshop, showrooms
awards: winner project of the grand prix SIMI 2009, nominated of the the silver t-square prize 2009, winner project of the laurier de la construction bois 2009, new trends of architecture – tokyo 2008 – 2009, nominated of the lichtenstein price for sustainable architecture