Dezeen Magazine

Faceted timber community centre completed by Gayet-Roger Architects

Timber slats cover the angular facades and roof of this community centre in the Bordeaux suburb of Pessac by local studio Gayet-Roger Architects (+ slideshow).

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

The Sardine Community Centre was designed by Gayet-Roger Architects for a site in a developing neighbourhood of Pessac, close to a new eco-housing project.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

Its irregular, multi-sided plan was determined by the position of the surrounding streets, and by local planning regulations that stipulated a minimum distance between the building and the roads.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

Larch boards were used for all the exterior surfaces of the faceted structure to create a unified facade.

Recessed openings for doors and windows were positioned to make the most of the surrounding views and feature bright yellow reveals that contrast with the natural grain of the larch wood.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

The main entrance leads to a hallway that divides the interior into two halves; one for the main activity rooms and another for practical facilities including offices, bathrooms and storage.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

Solid wooden beams support a ceiling made from perforated steel sheeting, specified to improve the acoustic quality inside the rooms.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

A chimney-like protrusion in the roof contains a skylight that directs natural light into a multipurpose room. Fitted plywood cabinets line one wall of the space, while glazed doors on either side lead to outdoor spaces with different functions.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

One side of the building opens onto a gravel garden planted with trees, while the other side faces a courtyard that will host an annual street party for the community to gather and eat the region's famous grilled sardines.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects

Photography is by Julien Fernandez.

Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects
Site plan - click for larger image
Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects
Floor plan - click for larger image
Community centre Sardine by Gayet-Roger Architects
Elevations - click for larger image