A terracotta unique and many-sided structure

VASCONI Architectes

What if diversity resulted in unity? That’s the principle idea behind the plan for the Îlot Garot office and business centre in Laval. A building combining offices and businesses, located between the railway station and a residential street, right in the centre of town. The place was a real heat sieve, very uncomfortable for users, and was in need of complete renovation. The answer provided by the Vasconi firm of architects was to ensure the new HEQ building fitted into its environment as much as possible, so local residents would completely accept it as their own at first glance and passers-by would sense the continuity of the neighbourhood.

According to Nicolas Ghanbar, architect at Vasconi “We took a long time selecting, combining and arranging materials, forms and colours. But this work is essential in my view, as it’s the overall effect of all these little

details that makes the difference. Terracotta was a must, because of the possibilities it presents as regards

colour and format, but also, and above all, because of its easy adaptation to residential architecture. It offers the concrete expression of modernity and authenticity. Moreover, clay is a pure, living, ecofriendly, long-lasting material… and always stays clean. Buildings made with terracotta that are over a hundred years old still look

just as beautiful, they age well. I’m confident in the durability of what we have created.”

Le Trèfle ilôt garot, Laval, France - VASCONI Architectes - Zéphir® Evolution (Piterak® Slim equivalent) from TERREAL range