LES COQUILLES D’OR AUDITORIUM

A dream project developed on “Etang Long” Pond in Crans-Montana.

Based on a concept created by André BLANCHOUD, Thomas BÜCHI and Hervé DESSIMOZ, we have developed a project to construct an open air theatre.

The space consists of two shells of different sizes facing each other on the banks of a lake.  The shell shape originated from a study of the geometry of the natural shape of shells.

The two shells form a flexible playhouse complex, designed to host one or more shows.

The bigger 30m-high shell is for the public, the smaller 20m-high shell is for the stage.
The stretch of water between the two shells is of varying width.  An electro-mechanical device is able to bring the shells closer together to cater for a variety of shows.  The stretch of water can be dried out so that the space can be used as a stage or orchestra circle.

We carried out the design of the timber part of this exceptional structure and collaborated with Civil Engineer Pierre-Albert DESSIMOZ for the design of the foundations.

Administrative proceedings are underway; Lens (VS) and Chermignon (VS) districts have launched an inquiry into the proposal to change the use of Etang Long Pond. Planning permission will be sought during the second half of 2008.

The shell structure is entirely made of wood.  Ten ribs of varying sections open out into a fan shape on either side of a central axis. 

Metal bracing strengthens the shell in the transverse plane.

The top ends of the timber ribs are extended with the addition of metal cantilever beams in order to give slenderness to the structure extremities. The cantilever beams connected by metal bracing work in the manner of a triangular beam and provide stability to the system.