Architectural continuity with Weber
Nîmes regains its original colours
When carrying out facade renovation in protected urban sectors, architects have to address concerns such as the need to preserve the urban heritage, maintain architectural continuity and improve the town centre environment.
The Nîmes municipal authority decided to embark upon a programme to protect and enhance its historic town centre, classified as a "protected sector" by the Government. Overcoming problems associated with public utility networks, street lighting and pedestrian areas, the facade renovation was carried out with extreme care and attention to detail.
Key figures:
- The protected sector in the centre of Nîmes covers 41 ha and has a population of approximately 5,000 people.
- There are a total of 3,228 facades (on streets and courtyards).
- Since 1986, 1,415 facades have been renovated and 1,037 shopfronts replaced.
The search for "Nîmes grey”
These days, a town's identity is built around its historic heart. Architectural continuity is an important factor for any renovation programme and includes uniformity of colour. Research into historical authenticity with regard to buildings involves studying the very nature of the construction by analysing the original renderings and their colour. The reference palette of colours, in particular the light grey known as "Nîmes grey" was respected for this project by the use of two Weber solutions. These were weber.cit restaur, a mortar for restoring stonework and weber.prodexor K+S, a hydrated lime whitewash.
weber.cit restaur is excellent for rebuilding decorative elements in stone. Applied very thickly, it swiftly hardens and can then be worked, sculpted and hewn like real stonework. Three versions are available to adapt to the original type of stone, from the softest to the hardest. It can be supplied in a range of 4 - 26 colours, depending on the version and the required finish.
weber.prodexor K+S allows renovators to express their talent via different types of finish - brushed, smoothed, sponged or stucco. This whitewash reinforced with hydrated lime is available in 60 shades, allowing older buildings to regain their original charm.
Facade product quality and durability
Architects agree unanimously that maintaining heritage quality calls for a combination of quality work, quality contractors and quality products. When it came to renovating facades in the protected sector, Nîmes’ consultant architects recommended products compatible with the facades' epidermis and specified the shade to be used. This is why Weber renderings for restoration and renovation work are all available in several colours, some of which have been developed to match the specific characteristics of the local heritage. The product quality and durability are essential to avoid the necessity of repeating the work every two or five years.
The entire Weber historical facade renovation offering uses a formula based on hydrated lime, a material acknowledged by specialists in the profession as being able to provide long term protection for historic buildings, without changing their character. This has led to co-owner property managers learning how the work was carried out and which contractors were the most efficient. The finished result serves as an excellent example.
An improved environment
As a result of the extensive protected town centre renovation programme in Nîmes, its inhabitants have seen a genuine improvement in their urban environment. They are able to see the historical centre of the town in a new light, cleaner, more attractive and more vibrant. These improvements to the town have generated a significant increase in tourist traffic.
13, rue de l’Horloge, Nîmes
