Article source: COBLOC Architecture

The project entailed the restructuring and elevating of an existing unfinished structure into a largescale smart building. A new project, a new program, the building becomes SOMEONE, a formation center, and incubator for the sectors linked to innovation and design, led by the l’Agence de Développement de Sèmè City in Cotonou, Benin.

The constructive challenge of this project lay in delicately intervening in this build, which was largely unfinished for years, and that had to undergo major structural modifications. To ensure a subtle and cautious approach, a spirit of urban ecology and bioclimatic conception was adopted. In this specific case of a deteriorating building, set in an environment where technical means and materials were difficult to access, we proposed our concept and our innovations while always taking care to conserve and to reemploy the existing to the maximum. The structure is made of columns and beams with hollow floor slabs. The latter is stabilized by hollow chipboard. The whole is braced by the staircase ribs and concrete elevator shaft.

Image Courtesy © COBLOC Architecture

• Architects: COBLOC Architecture
• Project: SÈMÈONE Center
• Location: Cotonou, Benin
• Area: 3400m²
• Year: 2020

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