Designed by France and Austria- based design studio Dietmar Feichtinger Architekts, the new headquarters for the social housing organization in the metropolitan area of Lille, "Lille Métropole Habitat (LMH) is located on the boulevard Gambetta in Tourcoing, a major road connecting Lille and its surrounding communities.
The new building for LMH affirms its presence in the urban context by its dimension but the architectural expression is searching for lightness and transparency and avoids any monumentality.
| At a glance | |
| Project: | Lille Métropole Habitat (Tourcoing) |
| Location: | Tourcoing, France |
| Site area: | Surface terrain 8260 m² |
| Built-up area: | ∼4500m² |
| Building costs: | 24.6 M€ HT |
| Architect: | Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes |
| Client: | OPH LILLE METROPOLE HABITAT |
| Status: | Completed in 2015 |
An open central space forms the core of the building. This inner court, protected by a glass roof, includes an open, central and light stairway. Steel bridges connect the offices on 3 levels and allow an easy horizontal and vertical circulation and communication in the building. Its generous dimension is unexpected. It provides the space for informal meetings.
On the ground floor, the restaurant area in the north and the meeting area for seminaries in the south, complete the central space. Mobile panels allow dividing these parts in several working areas for multiple use, exhibitions and events.
On the office levels meeting rooms and recreation areas animate the inner façade providing bow windows into the court. Large wooden indoor and outdoor terraces complete the building on each level.
Sun protection is provided on the south façade by horizontal aluminum elements situated above the windows allowing free sight and protection simultaneously. The ventilation ducts and electrical installations are part of the design, covered by a metal mesh. The main building materials for the primary structure are concrete, steel, wood and glass.
