Water Tower conversion, L'Isle Adam, France.
The client’s instructions were to convert a derelict 19th century water tower into a modern office space/artist’s studio, which would be capable of accommodating an extensive library. At the same time the designer was keen to preserve the traditional charm of the water tower by leaving the original outline and stone walls intact. The upper level (originally housing the water reservoir) was glazed to 270 degrees in order to flood the interior with natural light. For maximum brightness, the upper level was built as an open, crescent-shaped gallery. A full-height library seamlessly unites the two halves of the stone wall which backs the upper and lower levels. The overall circular shape of the tower is strongly emphasised throughout and subtly reincarnated in the rounded motifs of the interior.