The Radical Transformation of Résidence La Violette
CASE STUDY:
Ardèche Habitat and Atelier Montérémal Architectes have succeeded in a major rehabilitation project of Résidence La Violette, a mid-20th century housing development, with the renovation of 102 housing units in 8 buildings for improved appearance, comfort and energy efficiency. This 3.61 million euro project includes a new facade clad with Rockpanel boards, radically transforming the appearance of a once dated housing project.
The existing façade:
The existing facade of Résidence La Violette posed significant challenges for the installers and designers as it was not a standard facade, but rather an exterior comprising prefabricated concrete walls with an irregular surface that includes diamond tip forms. As such, it was determined a ventilated facade fixed to the existing structure was the best technical solution.
The solution:
The resulting design solution includes a total of 2500 m² Rockpanel Colours Durable mounted to the existing facade with an additional 500 m² of Rockpanel Colours Xtreme to the ground floor, which experiences high levels of traffic. These Rockpanel products are mounted with screws onto a wooden sub-construction, which in turn is fixed to the existing prefabricated concrete walls.
Further to this, Rockpanel were able to produce special length boards for this project. This consequently helped the installer make a cost-effective offer, while also maintaining a reasonable margin.
The architect:
Architect Claude Mounier explains he chose Rockpanel products due to their durability and UV resistance, as well as the broad range of available colours and designs. ‘The most impressive thing about this project is the before/after comparison. The building now looks really modern and contemporary with a colourful, cheerful facade, whereas before it looked very old-fashioned and sad,’ says Mounier.
In addition to the renewed facade, the extensive improvements to Résidence La Violette include the renovation of electrical installations and heating systems, replacement of landing doors and exterior carpentry, refurbishment of water rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, WC’s), installation of photovoltaic panels and new insulation to improve thermal performance.
In many cases, the demolition of a mid-20th century modern building such as this could at first appear easier than renovation. It is however important to determine whether a building can be economically renovated. Reusing an existing structure not only reduces construction time but also eliminates excavation and foundation costs. Furthermore, in this instance, the Rockpanel facade solution here results in a building envelope that is not only thoroughly contemporary in appearance, but also achieves high thermal performance. For the owner, this means savings in construction costs and for tenants up to date living and increased comfort. A win-win situation for all.
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