SMABTP - Labège

A committed environmental approach

The project has been designed according to a committed environmental approach, based on 2 vectors: perceiving the best potential of the existing building for a relevant transformation - making the clear choice of renovation -, and guaranteeing a high energy performance, through the use of renewable energies and a precise bioclimatic design tool.

Built on an occupied site, the building covers a surface area of 3,050 sqm, organised around a central patio.

The project blends into the existing green setting of the site; it links the objects of the landscape, between the park, the lake and the patio, and connects all the users in an open, fluid space following a path in which transparency, interconnections and alterations are established to respond to the different rhythms of the day. The views accompany the user's journey inside and outside the building. In this way, a feeling of openness with unobstructed, soothing views extends the visual comfort within the corridors, offices, meeting room, coffee point and cafeteria, etc...

Our morphological response reflects the efficient organisation of the spaces and the quality of life offered to users, with quiet, restful, friendly spaces that encourage interaction. The layout of the offices has been designed to be easy and pleasant to navigate, with short corridors. The organisation around the central core clearly identifies the spaces and the flow of people.

Airy cafeteria area with views over the park

A strong architectural signature

Nous avons pensé le nouveau bâtiment, comme un tout avec un lien de parenté avec le bâtiment existant mais développant sa personnalité propre. L’extension est visible et parfaitement identifiable depuis la rue et l’entrée du site.

The upper volume is clad in a reflective glass skin, blending into the sky and reflecting the site's wooded landscape. Transparent glazed surfaces alternate with opaque walls clad in glass to preserve the privacy of users, while opening up to the outside world and creating a dialogue with the existing material volume.

To give the building a new image, the existing glazed facades were removed and the concrete frame demolished. The existing façades are clad with a new skin, created to insulate the existing building from the outside and clad it in a mineral fibre material tinted in the mass with a play of slanted joints.