The glazed facade and the slender steel load-bearing structure of this new bank building in Nantes, western France, lend it a quality of lightness and transparency, whereby the minimal dimensions of the structural members allow spans of up to 12 m.
The scheme complements the existing ensemble, forming a continuation of the urban block development. On the other hand, with its shimmering white glazed facade, the new structure sets itself off quite distinctly from the anthracite-coloured existing buildings.
The ensemble is dissected by a longitudinal passage that also divides the new structure into two volumes: a horizontal main section and a vertical ancillary building. These are linked – in analogy to the existing structures – by means of a three-storey bridge.
Between the two volumes a courtyard opens. The splayed corner of the ancillary building and the facade of the main building – which is set back on the lower floors – open up the courtyard and lead visitors in the direction of the entrance and passage.
The scheme complements the existing ensemble, forming a continuation of the urban block development. On the other hand, with its shimmering white glazed facade, the new structure sets itself off quite distinctly from the anthracite-coloured existing buildings.
The ensemble is dissected by a longitudinal passage that also divides the new structure into two volumes: a horizontal main section and a vertical ancillary building. These are linked – in analogy to the existing structures – by means of a three-storey bridge.
Between the two volumes a courtyard opens. The splayed corner of the ancillary building and the facade of the main building – which is set back on the lower floors – open up the courtyard and lead visitors in the direction of the entrance and passage.