Renovation – revitalisation – reuse

Out-of-town commercial centres require a new approach, as their shortcomings in the urban context become increasingly clear. Over the past decades, their enormous demand for parking has created vast asphalt landscapes that compromise outdoor comfort, walkability, and sustainability. Now, they hold significant untapped potential for a more sustainable future. Facing necessary renovations, an old Auchan hypermarket in Tourcoing, northern France, aimed for more than just a visual upgrade.
 
Beyond a new façade, the project aimed to reduce its carbon footprint and redefine its public purpose. Parisian architecture firm Loci anima took on the challenge, promising to approach it with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic impact, and multi-functionality. To create a more welcoming atmosphere, they introduced a structural framework of stacked wooden cubes to highlight the entrances and open up the building.

For this renovation, the client prioritised sustainable materials, particularly by reusing the existing Terreal terracotta claddings. The reused shingles were complemented with Argeton ceramic façade panels in six warm tones to soften the imposing 300-metres-long façade. The process involved carefully dismantling, cleaning, sorting, and resizing the claddings to integrate them with similar wienerberger ones, forming a visually striking gradient. The final design incorporated six shades from the Argeton range.
 
The project combined 300 m² of reused Terreal Maestral cladding with 3,256 m² of new Argeton panels, blending Chocolate Brown, Salmon Red, Apricot Beige, Carrara White, and Enamelled White. Wood and terracotta reinforced the natural aesthetic in line with the firm’s vision for sustainable, bio-sourced materials. Even outdoor seating areas feature repurposed terracotta tiles and wooden elements, ensuring the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility extended beyond the building itself.