N + B architects: community center for the valley of herault, gignac, france

community center for the valley of herault, gignac, france by n + b architects photos by paul koslo all images courtesy n + b architects

located at the entrance of the town of gignac, is the community for the valley of herault designed by n + b architects. the project consists of numerous buildings, that form a village environment. each building has independent access onto the garden, giving each entity its autonomy and identity. the principal buildings are directed to the north-south in order to offer natural ventilation. this establishment had two objectives. it aimed at protecting against the wind of the north and sheltering the central garden. the design also aimed at maintaining views on the tower of gignac, the pic saint baudille and the low valley of hérault.

the building of the community of the communes is the only one that positions itself perpendicularly to the rest of built masses.thanks to this establishment, it marks the facade of the city and the access to the site closing again and protecting the interior garden. their composition is relatively symmetrical, united, modular and evolutionary. zinc, stones and concrete from the site will be the essential materials of the construction relating to the traditional materials used in the region.

general info program: implementation of the economic activity zone and construction of buildings for the community of communes valley of hérault in gignac client: communauté de communes vallée de l’hérault planning: n+b architectes project manager: elodie nourrigat & jacques brion associated architect: julien wafflart site area: 12 020 m² floor area: 4 450 m² built-up area: 5 543 m² start of planning: 10/2005 start of construction: 11/2005 completion: 02/2007 cost: 4,7m eur