157
EUROPA
2013.08.02
The use of a metal framework presumes
distortions and movement typically more
significant than for concrete structures,
distortions and movements that had to
be taken into account in the study of the
adjoining façades.
On the other hand, the outer face of this
double skin is a symbol of European con-
struction, which the project team wished
to highlight. To do so, they opted for the
recycling of salvaged wooden frames from
the 28 countries of the European Union.
The reuse of old outdoor carpentry com-
ponents pays homage to the know-how
of European artisans and associates them,
while uniting all peoples of the European
Union, to the construction of a 21st century
building.
Their implementation was studied jointly by
the project team, SECO and the façade spe-
cialist in order to allow to take on board all
technical aspects, i.e. stability and durability,
watertightness, hygrothermal behaviour.
The internal side, whilst more traditional,
required a special study to determine its
behaviour and resistance to explosions.
Also to be noted, is the fact that by using
a reference such as Valideo, the first-class
behaviour of the façades when faced with
breaking and entering attempts, was con-
firmed.
This double skin and the old wing delineate
an indoor space, the “lantern” in which an
egg-shaped component is lodged, recalling
the shape of voting urns in ancient Greece.
The need to maintain the greatest possible
transparency led to the use of double
glazing kept in place by point fixing, without
metal components. Only the joints between
windows will give the illusion of boundaries
between glass panes.
In this case also, the chosen solution is a
result of the exchange between the various
contributors, architect, façade specialist,
general contractor, exchanges during which
the presence of a third party such as SECO,
facilitated the search for original solutions.
Text drawn up by
SECO
and coordinated
by
Pierre Spehl
, engineer
GLASS ELLIPSES
