Rossignol has been producing skis in the French Alps since 1907, but now the structure of the company has undergone significant changes: it was bought by the American company Quicksilver, and, as part of a large-scale reorientation to the global market, it needed a new representative headquarters.
This building will be located next to the famous center of mountaineering and skiing - the city of Grenoble, and with its modern and unusual appearance should demonstrate the innovative approach to business and the initiative of Rossignol specialists.
Architects Isabelle Hérault and Yves Arnault, in the architectural design of their project, reflected the mountainous landscape of the town of Saint-Jean de Moiren, where the new headquarters will be erected. The main thing in their construction is a wood-sheathed roof, reminiscent of mountain peaks and glaciers in its shape. It unites the whole complex, which, however, according to functional tasks, can be divided into three parts. The freeway has a cross-country ski workshop, scientific laboratories and design workshops, as well as two showrooms for Rossignol and Quicksilver products. The facade on this side, decorated with the emblem of the French company, flows smoothly into the roof.
Under the ridge of the roof there is an internal “street” that unites all the premises of the complex, facilitating communication and interaction between the different departments of the company.
In the part of the building facing the mountains, there are administrative offices. They are grouped around open courtyards where birch trees are planted. From a distance, the impression will be created that the crowns of these trees grow directly from the roof. The end facades are formed by glass curtain walls.
The topmost point of the building is occupied by a restaurant for employees, which overlooks the roof, which in this case serves as a recreational area. Its panoramic windows allow you to admire the Vercors mountain range from one side, and from the other - the Chartreuse massif.
A free building plan will make it possible to easily expand it in the future if such a need arises. The architects tried to make their project as environmentally friendly as possible: the roof canopy will protect the glass walls from excess solar heat, the heat generated by the machines in the production premises will be used to heat the building, and it is also planned to collect rainwater.
