In Talence, France, the town’s Maison des Solidarités (Solidarity House) epitomizes social action and solidarity. Esnard Sanz’s architectural project, ‘Rehabilitation and construction of an associative hub,’ seamlessly blends nature and architecture, serving a significant social purpose while enriching the surrounding environment.
Solidarity House Technical Information
- Architects: Esnard Sanz Architectes
- Location: Bois de Thouars, Talence, France
- Topics: Total Black Architecture
- Area: 900 m2
- Completion Year: 2022
- Photographs: © Ludovic Lubiato
The Maison des Solidarités in the city of Talence is a strong vector of solidarity and social action, welcoming within its walls a vulnerable public, seeking a new path towards social reintegration or simply looking to meet their basic nourishment needs.
– Esnard Sanz Architectes
Solidarity House Photographs
Talence Hub: Harmonizing Architecture with Nature
Nestled on the edge of the wooded Bois de Thouars, the project respects and accentuates the natural setting. A key feature of the design is the integration of the extension with existing trees, particularly a centennial oak, whose roots are protected by a central patio. This approach exemplifies the architects’ commitment to preserving and highlighting the site’s natural beauty.
The extension, designed as a secondary envelope around the existing building, creates a seamless continuity with the site’s other structures. It establishes a unique identity while also improving the thermal efficiency of the existing structure. The use of burnt wood for the exterior resonates with the tree trunks, blending the building into its forest backdrop.
Inside, the simplicity of the design gives way to a warm, inviting space crafted from natural wood. The architecture plays with light and the texture of wood, ensuring privacy while also asserting the building’s public and social role.
The original building undergoes a thoughtful rehabilitation, with the new extension creating fluid pathways. The existing structure is stripped back, revealing and celebrating the raw concrete material. This approach not only respects the original fabric of the building but also aligns with the project’s overall ethos of simplicity and honesty in materials.
Esnard Sanz’s Rehabilitation in Talence is more than just a building; it is a testament to the power of architecture in enhancing social initiatives and respecting the natural environment. This project is a masterful blend of new and old, nature and architecture, serving the community while preserving the beauty of its setting.
Solidarity House Plans
Solidarity House Image Gallery
About Esnard Sanz Architectes
Esnard Sanz Architectes is an architectural firm co-founded by Bordeaux-based architects Antoine Esnard and Fabien Sanz. They specialize in creating contextually sensitive and straightforward architecture. Their work prioritizes clarity in spatial design and the expressive qualities of materials. They aim to simplify and enhance spaces, emphasizing functionality and the surrounding environment.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: Ville de Talence
- Cost: €1.5 million (excluding tax)
