Longues-sur-Mer battery visitor centre
Attracting over 400,000 visitors annually from around the world, the German battery site at Longues-sur-Mer, located in Calvados, has emerged as a significant destination for commemorative tourism along the Normandy coast. Due to the increasing number of visitors, the site's reception facilities, which were previously not scaled for such a large influx, have undergone redesign and adaptation.
Selected through a project management competition, the dbo architects group opted for the FOAMGLAS® coated roof terrace system for the new building.
Situated between Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer is well-preserved and has been designated as a Historic Monument. As a notable part of the Atlantic Wall, it was constructed by Nazi Germany to thwart the Allied forces' landing.
In collaboration with the municipality of Longues-sur-Mer and the Conservatoire du Littoral, Bayeux Intercom has initiated a substantial redevelopment project aimed at providing visitors with optimal conditions for exploring the site.
A BUILDING INTEGRATED INTO THE ENVIRONMENT
In 2022, a new reception building featuring a roof terrace was constructed. This terrace, accessible to all visitors, serves as a belvedere offering expansive views of the surrounding area.
To ensure harmony with its environment, the architects selected ochre-colored concrete with a sandblasted texture. The building utilizes FOAMGLAS® for its pedestrian-accessible flat roof, which is coated in an ochre finish to harmonize with the building's concrete exterior. This material, resembling a mix of sand, clay, and Caen stone, was specifically chosen by the architects for its aesthetic appeal.
FOAMGLAS® cellular glass is a uniquely reliable insulating material, certified for waterproofing and protection against heavy asphalt. Its durability makes it an ideal choice for buildings in coastal areas, protecting against harsh weather and strong winds. This ensures the longevity and integrity of this distinctive building, situated in a location exposed to the challenging seaside climate.
FOAMGLAS®, THE MOST RELIABLE SOLUTION
The FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof system, known for its reliability, features an asphalt finish and is designed for quick and straightforward installation. Its incompressibility and watertightness ensure reliable performance and structural integrity.
For example, at the German battery site in Longues-sur-Mer, the roof comprises a combination of insulation, waterproofing, and asphalt finish, all supported by a concrete slab.
This system integrates FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation, known for its exceptional durability. The roof system includes FOAMGLAS® READY S3 thermal insulation, paired with a dual-layer waterproofing membrane and topped with a 5 cm asphalt layer.
In addition to the inherent properties of cellular glass such as water, air, and vapor tightness, compression resistance, and non-combustibility, the FOAMGLAS® system offers several advantages:
- Ensures lasting thermal and mechanical performance throughout the building's lifespan.
- Eliminates infiltration and condensation risks through the full adhesion of the insulation boards.
- Maintains insulation effectiveness without thermal bridges.
- Provides the option to integrate a slope directly into the insulation for added functionality.
