The Cloche d'Or, an emblem of contemporary architecture and sustainable design, emerges in the vicinity of Luxembourg's city center, embodying a vision of the urban vanguard. This multipurpose building, dedicated to commerce, housing, medical care, and wellness, is the result of an international architectural competition won in 2014 by Fabeck Architectes, realized in collaboration with Schemel Wirtz Architectes Associés, and brought to completion in 2020.
The project harmonizes various elements: a 2850-space parking lot, a 75,000 m² shopping center, a 10,000 m² hypermarket, a 25,000 m² residential complex, a wellness area with a swimming pool, and a medical center. Located in the heart of the new Cloche d'Or district, it has become a landmark for the city of Luxembourg
The commercial area, spread over three levels, forms a foundation that supports the residential towers. Together with the adjacent building "The Deloitte," they define an entrance porch on "Kockelscheuer Boulevard." A welcoming plaza and an illuminated glass facade, which turns into an urban chandelier in the evening, invite visitors inside the building, whose interior contrasts with the sharp lines of the exterior design.
One of the main obstacles faced during the five years of work was forecasting future public needs, a challenge successfully overcome through an innovative design strategy methodology. Through this methodology, the architects were able to identify three core ideas: the mall, the living and relaxation areas, and the meeting and exchange spaces - Shop, Live, Share - that organized the space. The history of the site was the starting point for a solution that balances the traditional with the contemporary, offering solid conceptual foundations.
The concept is based on creating a contemporary ensemble with a strong and rigorous exterior. The interior is flooded with natural light and offers generous perspectives, serving as an ideal platform for different uses of the space. During the competition, the DNA that would characterize the project was defined. The strategy during the planning and construction phase included developing a close relationship with the client and implementing a comprehensive BIM model, a valuable tool in the process.
The use of materials and color palette-gold, black, and white-gives the spaces a bright, contrasting, luxurious, warm, timeless, and elegant feel. The structure consists mainly of 110 tons of steel and precast concrete elements, while the dynamic facade makes use of aluminum elements of different sizes and colors. Architectural details such as glass gridshell domes add a unique touch.
The Cloche d'Or meets the highest standards in terms of quality and safety, and is proud to have been awarded the "Bream Excellent" certification. The project has also received "GOLD" certification from the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen," while the hypermarket has been certified "SuperDrecksKëscht®," with 90 percent of waste fully recycled and 100 percent sorted. The extensive green roof provides a water retention system, and maintenance recommendations played a crucial role in the selection of each material and in the planning process.
The Cloche d'Or is not just an architectural work; it is a statement of sustainability, a monument to strategy and vision, a benchmark for future urban livability.
CUSTOMER
AM CRC
LOCALITY.
Luxembourg
DESCRIPTION
Continuous facade
Coating
Window frames
14,002 sq. m.
DESIGNER
Fabeck Architectes
YEAR
2020