Ductal® Façade for Pierre Budin Daycare

Emmanuel Combarel Dominique Marrec Architectes (ECDM) designed the Pierre Budin Daycare in the 18th arrondissement of Paris with an undulating façade that addresses the heterogeneity of its urban context. The panels wrap three sides of the rectangular building. Many of the panels include windows, but the south-facing elevation, pictured here, is solid to mitigate noise from the adjacent roadway.

Ductal manufactured prefabricated titanium panels with organic fibers for the daycare. Ductal refers to its high-performance panels as "a mineral material between concrete and metal." In this case the white titanium aided the architects in achieving the wavy, plant-like appearance they desired. As designed and installed the sandwiched panels create a weathertight layer over the building's exterior insulation. The result is a striking addition that overcomes the mediocrity of many of the larger surrounding buildings.   jh