A terracotta facade to express tradition and modernity

Placed at the heart of the Faculties of the Catholic University of Lille, the Rizomm Masters School has enjoyed particular attention since 2014: a heavy and ambitious rehabilitation, in the wake of the Third Industrial Revolution (REV 3) with a dynamic University Zero Carbon.

Combining performance and energy efficiency to reach the BEPOS level, the building will be able to produce, consume and pool energy while allowing users to control their thermal comfort.

A traditional mineral identity

Beyond the environmental issue, the project management carried out by MAES Architecture also had to offer a new visual identity to the École des Masters du Rizomm.

A strong identity that reflects the modernity of the place while taking into account its historic environment very marked by a mineral presence such as brick and stone.

The terracotta cladding solution appeared to be the most suitable, as explained by Thomas Druon of the MAES Architecture agency: "The University brings together neo-Gothic buildings dating from the end of the 19th century, marked by the use of terracotta. The use of this material for cladding was logically privileged to evoke the history and tradition of the Our work then consisted in creating a relationship between the old architecture and the contemporary vocation of the place. "

An astonishing random effect of modernity

To obtain this sought-after modernity, the Rizomm stands out with its terracotta facade full of creativity, playing on a random effect, completely mastered.

This effect is obtained thanks to the diversity of shingles used combining 6 shades and 4 module formats, ie 24 different modules placed on the facade. "Some 3 hours of work were required to install 900 km of shingles and 6 m240 of mineral wool", details Loïc Lemesre of the company Ecolopo which produced the facade.

Thomas Druon of the MAES Architecture agency explains the desired effect: "This random side erases the different eras. The idea was to play different module formats and on a monochrome. With the architects of Bâtiments de France, we chose to create a composition in ocher, brown, gray and white tones "While the majority of the shingles are mat, the whites are glazed. So when the sun is reflected on the facade, these blades stand out and give the impression of being metallic."

As for the roof, to meet the energy production objective, it was entirely covered with photovoltaic panels. A total of 557 panels were installed, representing a production of 138,4 MWH / year.

Barro® Wienerberger solar shading

This modern aesthetic obtained with a traditional material was created thanks to Barro® from the Argeton brand from Wienerberger.

Used as a decorative element or sunshade, the Barro® range from Argeton is available in several shapes: square, rectangular or elliptical. Of various sections and lengths, the decorative elements of the Barro® range are available in 26 shades, with enameled or coated finishes available on request.

Characterized by a strong modernity, the Barro® range easily allows multiple uses thanks to this wide variety of shapes and colors. While giving a unique appearance to the new or renovated facade, the Barro® decorative elements also play the role of an effective and aesthetic sunshade as well as a privacy screen.

The installation of Barro® is extremely simple provided that you have a primary framework adapted to the type of attachment provided.

The elements of the standard range are fixed horizontally to the primary framework by means of a specific 5S profile onto which aluminum fasteners are screwed at each end.

EPDM seals are then placed at the ends of the Barro® in order to avoid any contact between the terracotta elements between them as well as with the metallic elements.

Note that the elements can be motorized to obscure the sun's rays only when necessary. In the event that a covering element is accidentally damaged, it can easily be replaced by dismantling the fasteners.