Clinique Ophtalmologique Thiers

This level of care and service, designed with state-of-the-art medical technology, required the choice of an appropriate architectural envelope. That is why Laurence Taridec, head of the Thiers practice, turned to the TLR architectural firm, led by Mickaël Martin, to create the project. “The technical challenges we faced started with the shape of the building”, explains the architect. The exterior takes the form of an ocean liner, defined by clear architectural lines reminiscent of cruise ship design, with great attention to light and space and the refinement of materials; a spirit that is also repeated inside, providing an immersive and evocative experience for visitors. In addition to the external structure, another of the rules imposed by the customer was to have the same material for the façade, roof and under-roof cladding. Hence the choice of ceramics: Mickaël Martin and his team opted for Laminam natural surfaces (about 2,500 m² of slabs were applied) because of their adaptability and large size. “We wanted to convey an idea of ease and spaciousness, both on the roofs and the façades, a design concept precisely conveyed by Laminam”, the architect continues. The versatility of this material allows it to be applied as a flooring, wall cladding, worktops and especially on façades. Furthermore, the suspension systems are understated and easy to implement.

Gaëtan Plessis, Project Manager of Laminam France-West, proposed the Bianco Assoluto, Collection series product for this project: it perfectly met the aesthetic criteria of the building, both for the façade, roof and under-roof. Synonymous with purity, Bianco Assoluto is a timeless classic that, in its Polished finish, accentuates the brightness of surfaces. With its full-body color, it is ideal for remodelling volumes, giving a feeling of robustness and vertical thrust to exterior surfaces. Like the other colors in the Laminam range, Bianco Assoluto is impact, scratch, stain and weather-resistant. For the Clinique Thiers project, the product underwent bioactive treatments to absorb and transform pollutants in the air (VOCs, NOx, SOx) and water into non-harmful elements. “The advantage of using Laminam surfaces for outdoor cladding is durability over time”, explains Gaëtan Plessis. “Thanks to bioactive treatments, the onset of organic mosses such as lichens is delayed and the air is purified. This results in a façade that retains its beautiful appearance over the years. Laminam slabs are a perfect image of the company’s know-how and the excellence of Made in Italy.”