How does one build an extension without compromising the architectural layout that was initially developed on the site"

© Philippe Ruault

Architects: Barré-Lambot Architects

Location: 2 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44300 Nantes, France

Architect In Charge: Philippe Barré et Agnès Lambot

Area: 6358.0 m2

Project Year: 2014

Photographs: Philippe Ruault

Engineering: Égis, Rousseau, ITAC

Landscaper: C.Boudvin

© Philippe Ruault

Site Plan

From the architect. How does one build an extension without compromising the architectural layout that was initially developed on the site"A ?belvedere/school? overlooking the Erdre Valley!
© Philippe Ruault

Lining the landscape up with the horizon through this extension was made possible through a simple set-up: two platforms, one along the lower garden, and one flush with the upper garden, both opened by a patio embedded in the ground, revealing a 5.5 metre (18 ft.) gradient running north-south along the building?s foundations.

© Philippe Ruault

Given its insertion into the ground itself, this installation preserves the existing view of the landscape from Building H. It avoids all bothersome projected shadows or masking effects onto the faculty apartments (Building I) located to the southeast, ...