guinee potin: ecomuseum

‘eco museum’ by guinee potin in rennes, france all images courtesy guinee potin photographer: stéphane chalmeau

nantes-based architects guinee potin have completed ‘eco museum’, a public educational facility in rennes, france. in order to clearly communicate the nature of the program, the design incorporates ‘honest’ and ‘eco-biological’ materials, finishes and elements in the building’s expression.

exterior view

wrapped in a skin of chestnut shingles, the dominant character of the museum’s exterior expression is organic and natural. the structure becomes a type of signage, clearly conveying the purpose of the building from the outside. cantilevering over the main entrance to form a shade is a linear volume that houses the office and administrative programs. this inserted volume continues its structure into the lobby space, with small internal windows offering views into the common space.

facade treatment

untreated trunks of trees serve as structural supports throughout the building, giving the impression of the architecture ”growing” in its foundation. the roof hosts a  large area of growing vegetation which provides insulation and cuts down on cooling costs. 

green roof

(left) untreated lumber as structural components (right) interior view of office space overlooking the parking lot

lobby

entrance

elevated administrative volume

night view

in context

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

longitudinal section