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News Release from: ERAI (Entreprise Rhone Alpes International) | Subject: Elevated office buildings
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 December 2004
Ten "elevated office buildings" built in
France
French architectural firm builds ten "elevated office buildings" in france, a stunning developmental solution for flooded areas
The architectural firm Patriarche and Co recently completed a cluster of elevated office buildings, a project that was as courageous as it was creative The firm's founder, Jean-Loup Patriarche, embarked on a mission to convert France's otherwise uninhabitable and undeveloped flood-prone areas into land where utility and nature meet
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 17 Jan 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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He envisioned lightweight yet solid, environmentally sound, functional structures lifted off the ground.
The finished product is testimony to his success, as ten newly constructed buildings on metal stilts rise above the green earth by the south shore of the Lac du Bourget, at the fringe of the Science and Technology Park called "Savoie Technolac." This section of the Savoie Technolac was zoned for development but remained unusable-and was even excluded from the property market-due to the fact that it was six feet under the flood level.
Patriarche and Co was not discouraged, and saw the opportunity as one to benefit from the land without exploiting it.
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This design does not require land backfill so does not disturb the terrain.
The idea was one of an "inland marina," where the "pier" is a bridge extending between the buildings which provide easy access.
Small footbridges extend from the pier directly into the elevated structures.
The buildings have a steel framework that is both lightweight and strong.
So on the one hand, the buildings are gentle on the stilts; on the other, they can withstand high winds and fast-moving floods, making them ideal for areas of high storm frequency.
The roofs are constructed in a "pagoda" style, meaning water rolls easily off and back to the ground below rather than to a sewer system.
his is to ensure that the environmental balance of the area is disturbed as little as possible.
Grasses and plants are left to grow beneath the buildings, while trees are allowed to grow around and next to them.
The result is an ethereal, magical alternative to the typical working environment, one where technology merges harmoniously with nature.
Patriarche and Co's buildings are also energy efficient.
Glass panels running along the roof ridge of each building provide natural lighting and heat.
During summer months these panels can be covered to provide shade and avoid over-heating.
The lights are sensor-operated to protect against wasteful energy consumption.
Similarly, heat and air-conditioning can be adjusted room-by-room, ensuring that no room uses more than is needed.
Finally, air currents created by discreet, chimney-like flues cool and freshen the entire building.
Many parts of North America in particular could benefit from this concept.
From marshlands to areas prone to flooding where zoning restrictions exclude most from the market, the elevated buildings make more land available and reduce financial risk.
Moreover, the solution is one of strong architecture and sound environmental principals.
And while the buildings constructed in France are offices, any building is possible including residential.
Elevated buildings are an ideal way to overcome challenging terrains, offering an exciting, beautiful solution to lands previously impossible to develop.
About Patriarche and Co: The Patriarche and Co team is composed of architects, town planners, economists, and engineers.
They have adopted the view that a multi-disciplined approach is the best way to approach a global project and achieve the best results.
The work internationally in Algeria, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, and the U.S.
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