Dezeen Magazine

Versailles Pavilion by Explorations Architecture

Paris-based Explorations Architecture have sent us these images of a temporary entrance-pavilion they have designed for the Chateau de Versailles in France.

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The 350 square metre structure provides crowd regulation, a visitors' centre, security checks and cloakroom.

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Building was completed this summer; the pavilion will remain in place until 2011.

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Photographs by Michel Denancé.

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The following text is from Explorations Architecture

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TEMPORARY ENTRANCE PAVILION TO THE CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES
VERSAILLES, FRANCE

CREDITS

Client
Etablissement public du musée et du domaine national de Versailles with VINCI (sponsor)

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Timeframe:
Competition November 2007
Completion July 2008
Expected demolition 2011

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Budget and footage
1.8m euros (350m2)

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Location
Right in the middle of the Cour d’honneur du Château de Versailles

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Functions
Temporary main entrance to the Château
Crowd regulation
Visitor’s information
Safety checks and cloakroom (your toothpaste will be confiscated…)

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Capacity
Approx. 15 000 visitors a day (summer season)

Shape
A modern horn of plenty with a big mouth and a small tail

Inspiration
Fushimi inari temples in Japan
Christo’s Central park Gates

Complexity
All glass panes and portal frames are different.

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Materials
Concrete slab and footings
Painted Steel portal frames
Laminated clear glass for facades and roof
Douglas timber brise soleil
Rubber flooring
Fluorescent lighting

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Architects
Explorations architecture (Benoît le Thierry d’Ennequin+ Yves Pagès)

Engineers
Terrell

Main contractors
CBC service+ Eiffel + Satob + France Lanord et Bichaton + SDEL