périphériques architectes completes cultural center in beaumont-hague

paris-based périphériques architectes have built a cultural space in beaumont-hague, in france, where they integrated into and took benefit from the landscape qualities of this part of the peninsula. on the shore, sunken roads are planted with wooded hedges that protect from the win and that become vegetal vaults to filter the light over time. these landscape elements are secular forms from the site culture, but also spaces that can be employed for the sake of the design.

all images © sergio grazia

the cultural center is a compact 43-meter long and 11-meter high block. a covered pathway was created on the west angle of the ground floor to mark the entrance to the building. from outside, a curtain wall alternates between translucent glass and mirrors. glazed windows are mounted with a low angel facing the ground to reflect the garden that overlays indoor activities. this versatile building combines urban space, music, and nature. inside, sustainability and function are emphasized, using mostly wood and metal. 

changing play façade, alternating presence and lightness

the alley is like a street, a real public space that serves as the main circulation and as a point of distribution for all program elements. volumes receive sculptural features due to the colorful anodized metal panels. by day, the alley is bathed in light, then it lights up as a display by night. a specific perforation makes the panels play a role of acoustic baffle to absorb noise of the lobby. a canopy encloses the top and the side of the alley. mostly made with ETFE membrane, a solar optimization work allows us to take advantage of winter solar gains and to protect itself through the hall masking effects during summer.

the hallway serves as a point of distribution for all spaces

a cavity in the concrete skin makes the entrance of the music school readable from the path. community association rooms overlay the school for density needs. at the first floor, a mezzanine overlooks the main circulation. the dance hall, opened to the public, is extended by a terrace preserved from the wind. the artist’s studio get northern natural light and the drama workshop looks like a small amphitheater. the associations office connected to the mezzanine has an attractive location close to the terrace, in a way to imagine outdoor use in sunny days.

this layout is a simple way to solve the plot leveling issues and surface water recuperation by developing some banks. the sharp geometry of the building alley is extended by an outside court and a path in the back. the court is excavated in the entrance of the building to offer a covered space.

first-floor mezzanine overlooking the music school

alternating translucent glass and mirrors façade

at the main entrance of the 43x11m compact block, the court is excavated to offer a covered place 

staircase and cafeteria, sustainability and function are emphasized

the upstair outside terrace, extension of the dance hall, preserved from the wind

music teaching room allows students to meet and play together 

the wide lobby where gatherings can take place 

diffusion hall in architectonic concrete

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom