A second skin, as light as a veil

EPURE d’Architecture

The existing building was one of the very few potteries still standing, out of the forty or so for which the village of Biot was famed in the 18th century. Retaining its authenticity was obvious to Epure in its architectural proposal for a combined programme for the town’s media library, tourist office and municipal council chamber. In order to fulfil the order without betraying the spirit of the place, Corinne Bapt, Véronika Pullirsch and Julien Lainé designed a contemporary extension, separated from the old building by an open-air walkway, reminiscent of the area’s characteristic lanes.

For Corinne Bapt, Epure d’Architecture “For the extension, we could have chosen to make a real contrast, creating a building entirely of wood, metal, steel etc. Instead, we sought a link with the building’s former original purpose, through the choice of material: terracotta. It fits perfectly with tradition while also being very modern in terms of its flexible, modular aspect. Its energy performance is also very impressive. Unlike other materials that reflect or transmit heat, terracotta is inert and in regions like ours, that’s a huge asset! We sought to play with the sunlight effect and with lightness through the combination of three shades. It’s rather like a veil over the building. There is a kind of transparency, despite the use of a solid material. Moreover, the second skin does not extend right down to the ground, thus reinforcing the impression of levitation.”

Médiathèque, Biot, FR - EPURE d’Architecture -Shamal® from TERREAL range