204
EUROPA
Mock-up of typical office in the preserved section of Block A of the
Résidence Palace
.
Details and tweaking
Structural prowess and the refinement of décor
imply or assume between them a multitude
of architectural solutions, respectively involv-
ing the floors, the walls and the ceilings. The
treatment of the preserved parts of the former
Résidence Palace
has led to the perfecting
of details intended to conserve the external
appearance of the former openings, whilst en-
riching the new interior spaces, providing them
with better comfort in terms of lighting and hy-
grometry. Since the façade is listed, the window
frames have been produced in accordance with
period profiles, but fitted with double glazing.
Vertical mirrors on the reveals reflect oblique
incident light, reducing glare and increasing
luminosity in the rooms. Horizontal mirrors,
placed 2 metres high reflect the light from the
bays to the ceiling: “light shelves”, which, in
addition, clad and highlight the virtual thickness
of the façades.
The building’s insulation is ensured, on the
inside with silicate foam that extends horizon-
tally under and above the floors, in order to
cut thermal bridges. A wide plinth, of the same
width as the horizontal mirrors, covers the
insulation. Behind this cladding the bricks are
exposed, only clad with a fabric of glass fibre,
in order to prevent inhibiting the steam flow:
condensation within the wall evaporates natu-
rally during the summer, in accordance with a
stable cycle. The oaken parquets are installed
on backing strips. Old floors are covered with
a fire-resistant coating.
The décor, officially elaborated, coloured,
remains restrained and frugal, in accordance
with this economic rule that Europeans are to
apply to themselves today. Similarly the fur-
niture is supposed to contribute to this image
of simplicity and sturdiness. Whatever is not
coloured is painted in dusty grey: dust is less
visible, cleaning cycles are longer, operating
costs lowered. Materials are chosen in order
to prevent soiling and develop a patina.
Dr
philippe samyn
, engineer
WORK IN PROGRESS
