© Ludmilla Cerveny
The project brings together all the services of the Moselle et Madon intercommunal authority on a single site, alongside the community bus terminal, transforming a former industrial area along the canal into a vibrant civic hub. The redevelopment combines new construction with careful reuse: an office building extends the existing technical center, old sheds are relocated and repurposed on-site, vegetation is reintroduced, and contaminated soil is remediated. In a region facing economic decline, this intervention represents a bold step toward urban and landscape renewal.
Reviving the land
Previously paved over, the site’s soil has been partially restored. A rain garden collects water from the rooftops, while tanks store it for the bus wash station and restrooms. Carefully selected plants help cleanse the soil naturally through phytoremediation, bringing both function and beauty to the landscape.
Architecture rooted in culture
The new headquarters embodies an approach to design that is clear, sober, functional, and elegant, while minimizing environmental impact. Its sweeping terracotta and zinc roof, extending beyond the façades, suggests a single protective canopy. The building openly displays its structure—with a wooden frame and rammed earth walls—telling a story of a project rooted in what already exists, inspired by vernacular construction, local materials, and regional craft expertise. The design reflects years of research at studiolada into materials, building techniques, and user involvement, turning the building itself into a tool for public storytelling.
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability is central to the design. Spaces are organized around a central atrium illuminated and ventilated naturally through carefully placed “flamandes.” The spruce wood structure is insulated with wood wool, and the heavy mixed wood-and-earth walls provide thermal inertia, eliminating the need for air conditioning and reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
Through its thoughtful combination of architecture, ecology, and heritage, the Moselle et Madon headquarters transforms a neglected industrial site into a forward-looking civic landmark—functional, educational, and inspiring for the community.
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