Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The building blends into the sloping landscape of Pont-sur-Yonne. The
dark blocks house the 96 rooms; the main entrance is arranged around a
courtyard resembling a village square, facing the Yonne valley.
The dark volumes appear hollowed out, with a tumble of geometric shapes
folded into these starkly white hollows. There are views of the scenery on all
sides; the terraces look towards the river.
The common areas of the living spaces are arranged to benefit from the
energy of light from the south, with wide openings looking out over the
park.
Two planted patios provide the building with depth. All traffic routes
have natural light, making them ideal for strolling. They widen with changes of
direction, accommodating sitting areas in warm shades of pink and red where
ergonomically designed banquettes are conducive to group conversations among
the residents.
Particular attention has been paid to making the collective areas both
fluid and transparent. The dining rooms occupy a central balcony position
looking towards the lobby, opening broadly to the south. Sheltered terraces are
a further addition to the residents’ quality of life.
The rooms, each measuring 20 square metres, have been very carefully
designed. The combination of bay windows and furnishings reinforces the feeling
of thickness of the facade. The diversity of the three types of room is
enhanced by the careful attention paid to both color and solar orientation.
The building is certified to high energy performance standards. The
exterior insulation confers good inertia and provides a high level of thermal
comfort.
In
drawing up this project, particular care has been paid to use and
functionality. Everything has been done to use routes, natural light and
materials to best advantage, producing living spaces which respect the dignity
of their residents.