Marne departmental archives annexe

Reims, France

This building barely emerges from a small hillock, like a bronze plate that has landed precariously.

 This helps it take advantage of a gently sloping site without spoiling it or overloading it. It is a line seen from the back of the stage. The visitors will have to take a path that gradually merges into the access ramp.

The foyer is an interlude between the opening and the courtyard garden. From the entrance you can see the building’s practical layout through the transparent wall of the patio. The principle of the disappearing building is continued in the building’s metal frame. Random perforations give it an embossed, volcanic look that is further emphasised by the bronze colour.

Program
Reconstruction of the Marne departmental archives annexe: creation of 17km of storage + reading room + offices + exhibition room

Location
Annexe des Archives Départementales de la Marne
129 Avenue de l’Yser
Reims, France

Schedule 
Competition: 2008
Delivery: 2014

Client
Conseil Général de la Marne

Project management
Lead architect: Hamonic+Masson & Associés

Engineering
All trades and quantity surveyor: SIBAT

Photographer
Sergio Grazia

Cost
6,6 M€ excl. tax.

Floor Area
5 300 m²

Environmental approach
RT 2005
Bâtiment Basse Consommation - Effinergie
Double flow ventilation system
External insulation
Vegetable roof
Gas central heating