‘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.

guinee potin: ecomuseum 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.

guinee potin: ecomuseum 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. 

guinee potin: ecomuseum green roof

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

guinee potin: ecomuseum lobby

guinee potin: ecomuseum entrance

guinee potin: ecomuseum elevated administrative volume

guinee potin: ecomuseum

guinee potin: ecomuseum night view

guinee potin: ecomuseum

guinee potin: ecomuseum

guinee potin: ecomuseum in context

guinee potin: ecomuseum site plan

guinee potin: ecomuseum floor plan / level 0

guinee potin: ecomuseum floor plan / level +1

guinee potin: ecomuseum longitudinal section