Kimmeridgian in Chablis

The Kimmeridgian Site must become a polycultural and intergenerational place and host many visitors to a simultaneous range of activities by putting the collective and the intergenerational, into narrative. Its relationship to the territory is fundamental and we wanted to make it perfectly legible in its context.

A strong relationship with the territory
In an attempt to enhance the unique geography of the Chablis vineyard, the developments are based on a dominant north-south axis which orients and opens towards the slopes: the framing is chosen and the views are generous.

Framing the landscape

This new cultural centre is also characterised by its sober volume and rigorous construction. From the outside, two volumes can be seen, the composition of which is set on a 1.10-metre orthonormal grid.

The low volume, alternating large glass panels and anodised aluminium panels, plays on transparency and reflection. Visual vistas to the site are multiplied. This welcoming, open and lively building will also react to changes in the sky and light, and will look different depending on the time of day or season. The materiality of its façades allows it to reflect the landscape in which it is situated. In a way, it absorbs it in order to restore it.

The large hall stands out for its height and its strong mineral presence. Visible from afar, it is made from a concrete called ‘site concrete’ which incorporates part of the land cleared from the plot. Our project thus integrates the essential notion of terroir. Following the example of the great Chablis wines, for which geology is an essential element, the Kimmeridgian does not simply give its name to this place: it profoundly determines its architectural shaping.

A mass built with the soil of the site

The deployment of the various programmatic entities is in line with the principle of clarifying pathways and simplifying uses. The square shape of the building has enabled us to distinguish four functional units positioned to the right of each façade: the reception and bar to the north; the annex rooms and public toilets to the east; the kitchen and logistics area to the west; and the external extension of the large hall to the south towards the hillsides.

Two large mud walls run parallel to the main hall and contribute both to the interior layout and the environmental quality of the building. Combined with the bioclimatic Canadian well system, they will offer real thermal comfort for the spaces. This was our overall approach for the design of this ambitious cultural facility: to ensure its anchorage on the site while asserting its strong identity. Integrating it by making it stand out.

Project
Construction of the Kimmeridgian center (intergenerational and polycultural)

Location
France, Chablis

Tender
Public

Surface
1 250 m2

Team
Projectiles, architect (project manager)
Sletec, all trade engineering
Tisseyre, acoustician
Emma Blanc, landscape designer
Albert et compagnie, environmental consultant
Ingecor, expert Cooking Equipment

Client
City of Chablis

Stage
COMPETITION 2020