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
-
Tranquil and secluded, Lemaire’s new Tokyo flagship exudes a sense of homeIn Tokyo’s Ebisu neighbourhood, Lemaire’s tranquil new store sees the French brand take over a former 1960s home. Co-artistic directors Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran tell Wallpaper* more
-
‘I wanted to create a sanctuary’ – discover a nature-conscious take on Balinese architectureUmah Tsuki by Colvin Haven is an idyllic Balinese family home rooted in the island's crafts culture
-
‘Concrete Dreams’: rethinking Newcastle’s brutalist pastA new project and exhibition at the Farrell Centre in Newcastle revisits the radical urban ideas that changed Tyneside in the 1960s and 1970s
-
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
-
At Lee Ufan Arles, tension and calm guide relationships between space and artLee Ufan Arles opens in the south of France, a collaboration between the famed Korean artist and Japanese architect Tadao Ando
-
A new era: Centre Pompidou architects discuss their bold 2030 plansPlans for the Centre Pompidou 2030 vision were recently announced, revealing a design refresh of the iconic Paris structure; we caught up with its lead architects Moreau Kusunoki to hear more
-
The Grand Paris Express, Europe’s largest urban design project, is en route to successThe Grand Paris Express is a system of new rapid transit lines across the French capital, with each station designed by a different architect – and it's currently under construction
