Concept
The future office complex, situated close to Algiers airport in a district undergoing transformation, has two objectives: one will be to provide a building with a high standard of environmental and ecological performance with regard to the current urban and regulatory context, and, secondly, to provide a range of new and improved services for the well-being of building users.
Program
The high-rise building (IGH) consists of a 4-storey base open to the public, with two office blocks of 49m and 34.5m positioned above. The first 4 levels will accommodate a business centre, a gym and a central restaurant accessible to all and benefitting from large views to the exterior. All the communal services and facilities are located on the ground floor.
The first tower of 49m will house office space for rent, and the second, the company headquarters of Faderco SA. The office areas have been designed for optimum flexibility allowing subdivision and adaption.
The architectural approach expresses the massing of the separate volumes of the building, with light-coloured brise-soleils enveloping and shielding all surfaces. These brise-soleils, or sun shaders, made from a durable material such as terracotta or fibre-cement, offer protection to the façades from excessive sun exposure. Visually unifying the whole building, at the same time they allow views out to the landscaped gardens whilst limiting undesirable lateral sight lines. On the lower storeys, however, where the programme requires the most visibility between inside and outside, particularly around the main entrance, the façades will be largely transparent.
TREATMENT OF INTERIORS
The interior design of reception/entrance areas, the auditorium, the shared company restaurant and office areas were carried out by Arte Charpentier.
In the voluminous entrance lobbies, the choice of finishes and furnishings of a certain quality confer an atmosphere of restrained grandeur. The marble floor is laid in a rhythm corresponding to that of the façade and continues through to the external terraces. The central reception counter is treated in light-coloured marble and warm-toned joinery and extends to form the bar of the adjacent cafeteria, and the staircases, enclosed in sand-blasted glass, are treated as light, translucent volumes. The interplay of materials creates a dialogue, with the mineral quality of the floor being enhanced and offset by touches of colour and the warm tones of the woodwork.
On the first floor, the large fitness club, includes a gym and attendant areas for individual training. All areas are designed for maximum flexibility and enjoy natural daylighting.
Areas for relaxation and peaceful contemplation are necessary for a healthy working environment, promoting social interaction between users.
LANDSCAPE TREATMENT
The articulation of the external landscaping and access routes allows the various entities of the project to be served independently.
In this arid region of the Algerian coast, the planting must be able to withstand the searing winds and scarcity of water, and so local varieties are preferred above others for the different planted areas. On the garden terraces of the towers where employees can go to relax, a dry Mediterranean garden is created with plants of varying heights and forms. The raised planters incorporate benches within alcoves shaded by pergolas.
At ground floor level, accessible garden patios are designed as shady spots with shrubs and flowers beneath the foliage of high-trunked holm oaks and multi-stemmed Pittosporum.
Team
Client
– Client: FADERCO SPA / INJAZAIR
Design Team
– Architect team leader: Arte Charpentier Architectes
– Architect partner in Algeria: CAP – Chabou Architectes & Partenaires
– Landscape architect: Arte Charpentier Architectes
– Interior designer: Arte Charpentier Architectes
Project Specifics
– Title: Tour Faderco
– Town: Algiers, Algeria
– Delivery: 2020
– Programme: High-rise office tower
– Floor area: 18 000 m²
Photo credits: DR Arte Charpentier Architectes
