‘explotation center’, brissac, france by N + B architects image courtesy N + B architects

elodie nourrigat and jacques brion of N + B architects have designed the exploitation center and building for forest fire fighters, located in the very heart of a huge green zone in brissac, france. it is composed of hills covered with scrublands and with vast agricultural plains which transcribe the very specific character of this region. these natural elements are a major asset. the project tries to join as a line of supplementary slope which complies to by-pass and protect major elements of the landscape, such as the big trees or the standing banks. in protecting these recognizable elements, the building goes from the basement of the hill and develops three main facades: the roof, the east façade and the west one. the whole is homogenous, thanks to the choice of the ‘corten’, a textured matter,the tones and nuances of which are in harmony with the environment.

N + B architects: exploitation center in brissac, france image courtesy N + B architects

N + B architects: exploitation center in brissac, france image courtesy N + B architects

N + B architects: exploitation center in brissac, france image courtesy N + B architects

N + B architects: exploitation center in brissac, france image courtesy N + B architects

N + B architects: exploitation center in brissac, france image courtesy N + B architects

general info planning: jacques brion, elodie nourrigat (n+b architectes), julien wafflart, associated architect client: conseil général de l’hérault delegated client: hérault aménagement structural consultant: sotec ingenierie surface: 1619 m2 cost: 1,950 mє calendar: completed in august 2008 building material: ledge of roof and steel corten facade sun-braker and covering in wood facade in steel thermolaqué steel framework