Austrian Green Planet Building

Maison de l'innovation

Nantes, France

A hub for digital transformation – the French postal service sought to create an IT centre of excellence offering attractive working conditions. Designed by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten, the building, constructed using a hybrid timber-frame method, blends confidently into its surroundings. The themes of communication and public accessibility characterise the building both inside and out. Surrounding green spaces, such as landscaped outdoor areas, reflect one aspect of the thoroughly successful sustainable construction. The pre-painted aluminium of the façade is 75 per cent recycled and provides efficient sun protection. The depth of the reveals is reminiscent of historic houses, thus creating a connection to the surroundings. The architecture links the city’s past and present through the abstraction of the past (arch motif) and the minimalist building envelope.

The Maison de l’Innovation follows a low-tech energy concept with significantly reduced building services. The combination of an energy-efficient building envelope, passive cooling, night ventilation and ceiling fans makes conventional air conditioning unnecessary. The building utilises existing energy sources efficiently – waste heat from server rooms covers 75 per cent of heating requirements.