CTLES Extension

In their extension of a building originally designed by Dominique Perrault in 1995, Antonini Darmon Architectes added a shiny metal cladding that makes it look ‘invisible’.

Antonini Darmon Architects completed the extension of an existing building designed by Dominique Perrault in 1995 in Bussy Saint George, France. The building is intended to archive documents from the libraries of universities and research centers in the Paris region, as well as from the French National Library.

Img.1 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.2 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.3 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.4 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.5 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.6 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.7 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.8 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.9 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.10 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.11 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.12 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.13 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

Img.14 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.15 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.16 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.17 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

Img.18 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Julien Lanoo

plan r+1 1_100 A0

Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, -1 floor plan

COUPE BB 1_50 A0

Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, section

401a2_FACADES_compo (3)

Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, facade detail

The CTLES designed by Dominique Perrault imposed a strong identity on the site. Maintaining the consistency and integrity of the existing building, the addition by Antonini Darmon represents a natural extension, but detached to avoid distorting the original structure. To ensure proper conservation of the archives, the easy flow of documents and ease for the user, the project relies on three major functional principles: two silo buildings to conserve the document collections, served by a central gallery with natural light, secured by an enveloping reflecting skin that brings together all the technical requirements on the periphery.

Img.19 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

From the point of view of both implementation and architectural expression, the extension works in continuity with Perrault’s building. Again taking metal as the sole material, the extension is covered in veined stainless steel; its brightness contrasts with the dullness of the original aluminum.

Img.20 Antonini Darmon Architectes, CTLES extension, France, 2017. Photo Pierre L'Excellent

CTLES extension, Bussy Saint George, France
Program: extension
Architects: Antonini Darmon Architectes, Rmdm Architects
Area: 10,000 sqm
Cost: € 17M
Completion: 2017

CTLES Extension

In their extension of a building originally designed by Dominique Perrault in 1995, Antonini Darmon Architectes added a shiny metal cladding that makes it look ‘invisible’.

plan r+1 1_100 A0

COUPE BB 1_50 A0

401a2_FACADES_compo (3)

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