Settled beside a railway line, the National Office of Forests of Versailles (l’Office National des Forêts de Versailles) stands as a gateway to the state-owned forest. Atelier Delalande Tabourin (ADT) approached the project with a vision to craft a pavilion that extends the existing structure, integrating into its natural surroundings. The design reflects the ONF’s diverse activities while meeting the practical needs of its workforce.
The pavilion embodies simplicity in its form and function, increasing its setting through thoughtful volumetry and material choices. It provides new working spaces that not only fulfill functional requirements but also offer an engaging spatial experience, emphasizing the connection between the built environment and the forest.
A Design Evoking Wonder
The pavilion is designed to awaken curiosity. Visitors, whether collaborators or passersby, are drawn into a space where every detail celebrates the expertise of the foresters. The building’s sculptural quality, inspired by a balancing wooden composition, creates a striking visual element that connects with the forest path. The elevated roof becomes a focal point, catching the attention of strollers while complementing the cityscape of Versailles visible in the background.
A Celebration of Local Craftsmanship
The pavilion’s design emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials. Solid blocks of wood, cut from the state-owned forest of Versailles, shape the structure and delineate the interior spaces. These blocks create a sense of flow and purpose, guiding users through the pavilion. Inside, corridors provide shaded retreats, framing views of the forest and bringing the outdoors into the workspace.
The roof and facade’s wooden slats, crafted from chestnut wood, were processed at a local sawmill. This material choice was both a practical and ecological decision, reflecting the ONF’s commitment to sustainable practices. They carefully dried the chestnut logs for seven months to ensure durability and suitability for construction.
Functionality Meets Sustainability
The pavilion sits slightly recessed into the natural terrain, prioritizing environmental performance. Its broad, peripheral wooden cap provides shade, protecting the offices from summer heat and maintaining cool interior temperatures. The walls, built with millstones, further improve the thermal comfort.
The project incorporates high-performance bio-sourced insulation and a natural cross-ventilation system, eliminating the need for artificial climate control. During the colder months, a biomass heating system ensures warmth, offering an eco-conscious solution for year-round comfort.
Every element of the pavilion by ADT reflects an attention to detail and respect for the forest. The furnishings and signage are custom-made, crafted entirely from wood and inspired by the markings used by woodcutters.
Location: Versailles, France
Program: Offices, lunchroom
Contractor: Public
Owner: Office National des Forêts – agence Île-de-France Ouest
Architect: ADT – Atelier Delalande Tabourin
Project manager: Nicolas Delalande
Assignment: Law base MOP+OPC, furniture, re-use
Area: 180 m²
Cost: €800 000 excluding VAT (including landscape and retaining wall)
Delivery: March 2024
Photography: Maxime Delvaux
wow i love this project! Great way to make a beautiful wooden structure part of an existing one!