The science hub of Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, has welcomed a new addition, courtesy of London architects Levitt Bernstein and French studio TKMT Architectes. The structure serves as a new visitor centre for the highly advanced, pan-European neutron research facility and brings together access to the institute’s state-of-the-art equipment with space for conferences, bookable labs and healthcare support – all, wrapped up in sleek, minimalist architecture against the visually powerful backdrop of the Alps.
A simple, orthogonal volume, punctuated by a steady rhythm of long openings, forms the main building, while inside, calming, pared-down and elegant spaces were created. Raw concrete blends with crisp white surfaces and timber in the form of bespoke cabinetry – a material palette that emerged from intense research and discussion with the client's team of scientists. A central, helical concrete staircase unfolds from the ground level and connects the building's two floors, also providing a sculptural interior centrepiece.
‘We have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of realising this project, from the initial competition win in 2019 to our close collaboration with TKMT,’ says Levitt Bernstein's Gary Tidmarsh. ‘ILL had given us an opportunity to create a building constructed from a limited number of materials, specifically selected for an optimised research environment. The visitor centre offers a calm and elegant base to showcase ILL’s innovative work, sitting in contrast to the dramatic skyline of the Alps, which can be viewed by visitors as they move around each new space.'
Meanwhile, a representative of the institute adds: ‘The new building has completely changed the way we welcome our visitors and employees when they arrive at ILL. The new space is expansive and bright, creating a contemporary and gentle atmosphere. Our own offices are particularly comfortable, with moderate temperatures and incredible views of the mountains beyond.’
Contemporary, minimalist design meets state-of-the-art technology at this brand new visitor centre, making a visit to the ILL science hub a thrilling experience, in more ways than one.
INFORMATION
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressingPart of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationshipAnnouncing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craftThe heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
-
Stay in a Parisian apartment which artfully balances minimalism and warmthTour this pied-a-terre in the 7th arrondissement, designed by Valeriane Lazard
-
Marta Pan and André Wogenscky's legacy is alive through their modernist home in FranceFondation Marta Pan – André Wogenscky: how a creative couple’s sculptural masterpiece in France keeps its authors’ legacy alive
-
Paris’ architecturally fascinating Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station is now openVillejuif-Gustave Roussy is part of the new Grand Paris Express, a transport network that will raise the architectural profile of the Paris suburbs
-
Explore wood architecture, Paris' new timber tower and how to make sustainable construction look ‘iconic’A new timber tower brings wood architecture into sharp focus in Paris and highlights ways to craft buildings that are both sustainable and look great: we spoke to project architects LAN, and explore the genre through further examples
-
A transformed chalet by Studio Razavi redesigns an existing structure into a well-crafted Alpine retreatThis overhauled chalet in the French Alps blends traditional forms with a highly bespoke interior
-
La Grande Motte: touring the 20th-century modernist dream of a French paradise resortLa Grande Motte and its utopian modernist dreams, as seen through the lens of photographers Laurent Kronental and Charly Broyez, who spectacularly captured the 20th-century resort community in the south of France
-
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain unveils plans for new Jean Nouvel buildingFondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain has plans for a new building in Paris, working with architect Jean Nouvel
-
Discover Tempe à Pailla, a lesser-known Eileen Gray gem nestled in the French RivieraTempe à Pailla is a modernist villa in the French Riviera brimming with history, originally designed by architect Eileen Gray and extended by late British painter Graham Sutherland
