transparency and domesticity characterize this workplace in rennes, france

a pleasant work environment

parc architectes presents an evolution in the design habits of office spaces by introducing a more transparent and domestic approach. responding to the question ‘how can we rethink the workplace through the prism of well-being and fresh air?’, the building takes shape as a large, finely structured, and taut installation located on a river’s bank in rennes, france.

the winner proposal ensures the well-being of the VINCI group teams, providing them with a healthy, bright, and comfortable workplace. the structure is surrounded by balconies bringing a domestic character that renews the type of office building and offers employees new places to share and gather in an open-air environment.
all images courtesy of parc architectes – artelabfactor

a new type of working space

the hall is designed as a place for interaction; dubbed ‘bike coffee shop’ serves as a vibrant space where one can park the bike and meet colleagues, or as a place where guests wait by having a coffee. workspaces often lack in outdoor areas while air intake allows recharging and oxygenation. the building, designed by parc architectes (see more here), extends the workspace to the outside with balconies, encouraging people to take a rest at any time of the day. 

the project installs entertainment spaces on the top floor, open to the south on the railway river, and on the bow of the building to the east on the fourth floor. these areas function as winter gardens, are heated by the sun in mid-season and can be opened in the warmer months, offering an overview of the surrounding landscape.

focused on resilience

in order to anticipate and adapt to climate change and reduce energy use, the development of various passive climate devices is integrated into the design of the building: swinging bays and window doors allow for natural and easy ventilation of the spaces. they ensure the operation of free-cooling by ventilating the spaces at night and by cooling the bare concrete ceilings, which use their inertia to diffuse the coolness of the night during the day.

ventilation of the premises is all the easier as the building, on the edge of the tracks, is unobstructed and the city of rennes is well swept by the wind. the concrete floors are traversed by fluid coils and left at temperature to adjust the interior climate. the balconies provide additional solar protection in the summer to avoid overheating when the sun is high while taking advantage of free heat gains when the sun is lower.

perspective entrance view from boulevard solférino, rennes

as for the materials, wood, and concrete — reduced to the necessary — were used for the construction elements, columns, and floors. thus, the weight of the construction and the carbon footprint are limited. the facades are made of bio-sourced wood joinery which stores carbon. these wooden elements are protected by the peripheral balconies and their durability is guaranteed. they will naturally be protected from aging by the projections of the balconies. moreover, the balconies facilitate access to the facades and allow easy maintenance, which contributes to the durability of the structure.

plan, north facade view

drawing: wireframe view, balcony

drawing: wireframe view, hall

1/6

drawing: wireframe view, offices

drawing: wireframe view, terrace

building section diagram - night-time free cooling

building section diagram - daytime ventilation

model, view of the corner of the south façade

general floor plan

project info:

name: VINCI group regional headquarters
architects: parc architectes

client: VINCI group

location: boulevard solferino, rennes, france

surface area: 7,000 sqm

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom