François Valentiny (born March 13, 1953) is a Luxembourgish architect. After his studies in architecture at the Ecole d’Architecture de Nancy and the University of Applied Arts Vienna, in 1980 he founded with Hubert Hermann the architects’ office Hermann & Valentiny. Valentiny stands for bold, almost futuristic designs with character.
Head office KPMG (Luxembourg)
Photo: © Lewandovski
The KPMG Luxembourg office building is worth a visit because the outer steel structure is not decoration but a cleverly integrated load-bearing element for a largely column-free interior. The building stands out with its remarkable facade layout.
Photo: © Valentiny hvp Architects_Eloi Fromange Gonin
The weatherproof steel visualizes the tradition of the Luxembourg steel industry. The X-shaped prefabricated elements were screwed together to form a network of rounded diamond shapes. Only the corner elements were welded. About 350 anchors connect the steel façade with the various floors.
Photo: Groven+
They make the façade a real structural element and not just a decorative façade. Visually, the façade acts as a filter, lending a certain intimacy to the interior spaces. And the unusual façade construction made of weathering steel gives the building an unmistakable character.
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
