Rooftiles and Cladding for the Cognacq Jay Foundation by the Atelier Jean Nouvel

The Cognacq Jay Foundation looks after the elderly at its centre in Rueil Malmaison, focusing on art to help them in their everyday lives.

In 1998 and 1999, the Foundation turned to the Ateliers Jean Nouvel to renovate and extend their existing premises, which dated back to 1916. Jean Nouvel restored it to its original glory, using lime from South America for the facades. The other objective for the architect was to double the surface area, via an extension designed to unbind the building, for the well-being of the residents.

Architect Jean Nouvel designed a glass structure, with a geometrical shape similar to that of the original house, creating a contrast between the two buildings dating a century apart. This glass symmetry reflects the sky and wooded grounds around the property. The building blends into its surroundings, creating an impression of openness and freedom, as requested by the Foundation.

The architect innovated by making the roof entirely of glass tiles. A reflective film underneath the tiles provides depth and sends an extraordinary amount of light into the building, as well as insulating the structure and protecting it from the heat.

The roof is like a hat, with glass that sheds its skin, descends and covers the walls via ventilated cladding, also made of glass, developed in partnership with La Rochère, and attached to a stainless steel structure. External thermal insulation covers the concrete, leaving only the glass and its reflections visible.