^ The new façade adds a sparkle to the school. Photo Cabinet Toa architectes © F. Delangle
Text by Aperam Stainless France
Sustainable school design
Inaugurated in 2019, the new MiriamMakeba primary school has added a touch of modernity to a traditionally immigrant neighbourhood in Nanterre, France. Named after the legendary South African jazz singer and anti-apartheid advocate, the 4,050 square metre building blends in perfectly with its surrounding neighbourhood, including the adjacent 113 m high Hauts-de-Seine tower. Capable of accommodating nearly 400 students and 50 staff, the building also satisfies the city’s commitment to sustainable building.
With a façade clad in Aperam’s Uginox 304 grade of stainless steel, the building has a uniquely bright finish that brings a touch of sparkle to the neighbourhood.
Historic Fouquet’s Barrière hotel
The building that is now the Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière Paris has a long, eventful history. Located on the world-renowned Champs-Elysées, the Haussmann-style building dates to 1863 and, at one point or another, has served as a popular bar, meeting place for World War I aviators, luxury brasserie, and cinema. Named a historic monument in 1990, it has been the home of the Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière Paris since 2006. A recent renovation has restored the building to its original state. In addition to refurbishing the guest rooms and amenity areas, the project also reworked the interior courtyard.
To hide the ventilation ducts that run through the space, architects added an 18 m high, 10 m wide stainless steel wall that essentially serves as a screen.
