Metz'In: an architecture of earth and light

The Metz'in, a university restaurant can accommodate nearly 500 guests and has a capacity of 1.200 meals per day. Located at the epicenter of three engineering schools (ENIM, ENSAM and IPEFAM), Metz'In has been the subject of a particularly careful architectural design. Its designer, the KL Architectes firm based in Metz for 20 years, always strives in its projects to make buildings and landscapes inseparable. Another brilliant demonstration.

In order to combine a futuristic approach and landscape integration, KL Architects has opted for the Metz'In, on simple materials and played with light with the help of Argeton terracotta sun screens. The philosophy of perfect association between construction and landscape is still perfectly crystallized for this achievement, including Benoît Corneux, one of the 10 architects of the firm, confirms the pillars of this achievement: "Aware of dealing with a public of engineers, very sensitive to the architectural identity and, as always, concerned with landscape integration, we designed this building - which integrates HQE and BBC standards - as an uprising of the surrounding plain. With a facade emerging from the ground and a combination of simple and natural materials: wood frame, green roof and terracotta. The roof provides inertia and promotes the retention of rainwater. The layout of the Barro® sun screens in Argeton terracotta plays an essential role. This “double skin”, the lower part of which is mobile, makes it possible to play with light, depending on the time of day and the season. It acts as a sunshade and optimizes the brightness of the dining room, while safeguarding the view of the surrounding space. The choice of terracotta is also a guarantee of sustainability for us. As for the “natural red” of Barro® sun breezes, it harmonizes with the surrounding greenery. "

The installation was largely monitored and ensured by the Salmon group, a cladding specialist. For the director of the cladding service, Thierry Groos, this achievement is a benchmark: “We worked a lot on this project which required more than 6 months of internal studies. The layout of the Argeton terracotta Barro® is one of the major contributions of this achievement, both aesthetically and technically. A high-quality, long-lasting product, it provides good protection against climatic hazards, but also shocks or degradation since each element can be replaced individually. "

• Type of project: University Restaurant in Metz (57) under new construction
• Architect : KL Architects
• Client: Crous
• Installation of the facade: Salmon Group
• Products: Barro® sun screens

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