Extension of the Louis Aragon multi-media library, Martigues, France

The Louis Aragon library was built 25 years ago and has since seen an increase in its usage which has required its refurbishment and the building of an extension of 1,400 m2. The library is situated on an island, between two canals and is subject to regulations defining lateral alignments and height limits, which resulted in the linear development of the extension to the building.

It was not only necessary to rethink the whole of the internal organisation of the building, it was also necessary to adapt it to the evolution of information technology and means of communication by computer. Finally, it was necessary to bring the building up to modern standards and, in particular, with local fire regulations.

Pilkington Pyrostop™ glass was selected because it met the requirements of the architect and two major imperatives: transparency and safety. The fire resistance performance of Pilkington Pyrostop™ was all the more appreciated because the floors as well as the door and window frames of the building were made of wood.
15 mm Pilkington Pyrostop™ 30-10 (30 minutes integrity and insulation) single glazing on a wood fixed frame ledge, which met the glazing requirements for the fire protection glass was specified. Pilkington Pyrostop™ also offers good thermal insulation to avoid the risk of fire spreading to other compartments of the building by radiation.