By Introduction
The Écotron IleDeFrance technical platform offers innovative equipment known as “Ecolabs,” designed for ecological research under controlled environmental conditions. The Écotron Île-de-France, commissioned for CNRS and ENS research, is situated amidst natural surroundings, requiring architectural treatment to integrate with the environment while showcasing wooden structural elements.
Architectural Design
The project’s architectural approach emphasizes the use of wood, with vertical elements alternating between opaque and glazed areas, creating a rhythmic facade. Thick heat-treated Douglas fir cladding, with visible slats forming a pattern, contrasts with the vertical elements, ensuring durability and a distinctive appearance. Exterior blinds with adjustable slats provide solar protection while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Sustainable Features
The building incorporates sustainable features, including a wood-burning boiler for hot water and heating, minimizing its ecological footprint. The design integrates seamlessly into the natural environment, utilizing wood to enhance blending with the surroundings. While prioritizing sustainability, the architectural design maintains simplicity in material use and energy efficiency, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Functional Layout
Located in a tranquil natural setting, the building maximizes the use of wood, emphasizing sobriety in material selection and energy usage. Despite its minimalist design, the building offers a functional and generous layout, promoting spatial organization and luminosity conducive to research activities. The entrance is marked by a glazed frontage protected by a simple porch, while a recess in the volume indicates the bicycle parking area.
Conclusion
The Écotron IIe-de-France Research Centre & Laboratory embodies a harmonious blend of architectural design and ecological principles. By integrating wood and sustainable features, the building not only serves its research purpose but also respects and enhances its natural surroundings. With its minimalist yet functional design, the center provides an inspiring environment for scientific inquiry while promoting ecological stewardship.
