Montpellier, France, 2014-07-14 –

The restructuration and expansion of the helicopter base for civil security in Nimes Garons is a relatively complex project, under two major constraints. Firstly the fact that the work should be done without interrupting the activity of helicopter maintenance requiring extreme rigor in the areas of site partitioning and scheduling of work, then look at environmental issues classified BBC and Very High Energy Performance (TPHE). To this is added disparate entities built into the ground that need the introduction of a first coherent site.

The set of proposals aims to address these constraints, program and optimize the operation of the site. Thus the project is based on two major axes. The first is the logical organization of the site. The creation of new buildings in their establishment seeks to unify all and offers better built compact. The extension of the main hangar takes place continuously to the existing volume to allow the possibility of extension on the east side of the building. The volumes continuity also leaves the possibility to transform the training area following the same scenario as the current program. From its shape overhead lighting is desired, it is oriented to the north and to optimize the comfort of illumination but also ensure better thermal management of the building.

Secondly we attempted to demonstrate that the architectural features implemented were intended to meet environmental expectations prior to implementation of specific technical systems. This is an accuracy of implantation, a logical arrangement of openings for natural ventilation and glazing for heat gains and prevent overheating, but also from work on the development of skin thickness breezes sun than many targets are met. These provide thermal regulation, but also support the rating which guarantee architectural homogeneity to all and offers the creation of an identity.

So we want to show that any program, even if it is only shed must be an architectural commitment to build beyond a performance tool a real living for users. Finally, the architecture must be the first guarantor of environmental quality before the establishment of technical devices. Space, matter, light materials are basic to implement. It is through these wishes that we have achieved the extension of basic civil helicopter safety Nimes Garons.

Data sheet

Official project name: Extension of the helicopter group of civil security 


Location: Nîmes Garons


Client: Ministère de l’intérieur, de l’Outre Mer et des Collectivités Territoriales
Architects / designers:
Elodie NOURRIGAT/Jacques BRION/Romain JAMOT– NBJ Architectes


Ingeneers : ARCOBA
Project area: 2200 sqm created and 3500 sqm renovated
Cost: 5,6 Millions €
Program BBC THPE


Delivery Date: May 2013

Photographer: Paul KOZLOWSKI

NBJ architectes

After more than ten years of close collaboration, Elodie Nourrigat, Jacques Brion and Romain Jamot architects have created the agency NBJ in 2013 in Montpellier. This comes from the combination of two structures, N+B Architects, which was founded by Elodie Nourrigat and Jacques Brion in 2000 and Romain Jamot Architects, established in 2003. All three are graduates of the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Montpellier (ENSAM) and Elodie Nourrigat and Jacques Brion obtained in 2002 a Master of Philosophy degree. Elodie Nourrigat has obtained in 2011 a PhD in Architecture. They are also teachers at the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Montpellier (ENSAM). The current structure of the agency brings a structured team of professionals with expertise in architecture, urban planning, sustainable environmental issues and engaging in programs to explore new way of project development. Their projects join different scales, whether architectural or urban.Their work has been recognized through various awards. In September 2008, they were invited to the 11th Architectural Biennale in Venice in the French Pavilion. The same year, they were awarded by the prize “Europe 40 under 40”, price distinguishing the top 40 agencies under 40 years in Europe. The project of the Activity Park of Camalcé in Gignac, was distinguished by the ” International Award 2009 ” price, attributed by  the Chicago Athenaeum Museum. They carry their education abroad, whether is at  Laval University in Quebec City (Canada), RMIT in Melbourne (Australia), Tohoku University in Sendai (Japan), College of Design at the University of Kentucky (USA) . Invested in the dissemination of architecture culture, they create and organize since 2006, the Festival Architecture Vives, which invites young architects to intervene in the courtyards of mansions in Montpellier city and in the city of La Grande Motte.

NBJ architectes

Elodie NOURRIGAT

Jacques BRION

Romain JAMOT
4 rue des Trésoriers de la Bourse – 34000 Montpellier
Tel: +33 4 67 92 51 17

Fax: + 33 4 67 92 51 77