Franklin Azzi Architecture

Mame Factory Renovation

Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly

MAME FACTORY RENOVATION

Franklin Azzi Architecture

PHOTOGRAPHS
Luc Boegly

LEAD ARCHITECT
Franklin Azzi

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Société D'équipement De La Touraine (Set)

CHIEF OF ARCHITECT OF FRENCH HISTORIC MONUMENTS
Pierre-antoine Gatier

ACOUSTIC ENGINEER
Qualiconsult Service

CONSTRUCTION ECONOMISTS
VPEAS

GENERAL ENGINEERING
3iA Ingineers

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
Tribu

TECHNICAL INSPECTORS
Qualiconsult

LOCATION
Tours, France

AREA
16600 M²

YEAR
2015

CATEGORY
Industrial Architecture, Renovation

Built in the 1950s by Bernard Zehrfuss, Jean Prouvé & Edgar Pillet, Mame printing house is a symbol of the 20th century industrial architecture, hence listed as a French Historic Monument.

Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly

With help from chief architect of French Historic Monuments Pierre-Antoine Gatier, work was focused on the bare minimum.

After a careful analysis of the existing, the reconversion of the old building increased the value of its undeniable qualities –since the office has opted for a sober and moderate approach.

Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly

The first task – almost archaeological – involved identifying and selecting the original elements of the building such as chassis, beam and paint.

In order to achieve minimum daylight factor, all the pre-existing window bays have been reopened.

Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly

This modification of the facade still maintains the building’s constructive approach. The existing chassis have been restored to their original state.

The only moment of freedom for creation is to be found outside the building – the old ramparts of a former barracks were demolished to free enough space for a large sloped forecourt that reconnects the building with its surroundings.

This exceptional architecture gathers three specific heritage features – being the modular structure thought by Bernard Zehrfuss, The ‘colour enhancement’ work of painter Edgard Pillet, and the ironwork, stairs and sheds designed by Jean Prouvé – that are completely retained.

Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly

The office tried to have the slightest impact on the primary structure of the existing building, the work undertaken aimed at staging the idea of reversibility in architecture.


Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly
Mame Factory Renovation
© Luc Boegly


Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Mame Factory Renovation
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Franklin Azzi Architecture
T +33 1 40266821 F +33 1 42467389
Franklin Azzi Architecture
13 Rue d'Uzès, 75002 Paris, France