Minimalist science hub added to Grenoble’s Institut Laue-Langevin
Institut Laue-Langevin addition by Levitt Bernstein and TKMT architects opens in Grenoble, France

Benjamin Gremen - Photography
The science hub of Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, has welcomed a new addition, courtesy of London architects Levitt Bernstein and French studio TKMT Architectes. The structure serves as a new visitor centre for the highly advanced, pan-European neutron research facility and brings together access to the institute’s state-of-the-art equipment with space for conferences, bookable labs and healthcare support – all, wrapped up in sleek, minimalist architecture against the visually powerful backdrop of the Alps.
A simple, orthogonal volume, punctuated by a steady rhythm of long openings, forms the main building, while inside, calming, pared-down and elegant spaces were created. Raw concrete blends with crisp white surfaces and timber in the form of bespoke cabinetry – a material palette that emerged from intense research and discussion with the client's team of scientists. A central, helical concrete staircase unfolds from the ground level and connects the building's two floors, also providing a sculptural interior centrepiece.
‘We have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of realising this project, from the initial competition win in 2019 to our close collaboration with TKMT,’ says Levitt Bernstein's Gary Tidmarsh. ‘ILL had given us an opportunity to create a building constructed from a limited number of materials, specifically selected for an optimised research environment. The visitor centre offers a calm and elegant base to showcase ILL’s innovative work, sitting in contrast to the dramatic skyline of the Alps, which can be viewed by visitors as they move around each new space.'
Meanwhile, a representative of the institute adds: ‘The new building has completely changed the way we welcome our visitors and employees when they arrive at ILL. The new space is expansive and bright, creating a contemporary and gentle atmosphere. Our own offices are particularly comfortable, with moderate temperatures and incredible views of the mountains beyond.’
Contemporary, minimalist design meets state-of-the-art technology at this brand new visitor centre, making a visit to the ILL science hub a thrilling experience, in more ways than one.
INFORMATION
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Meet artist Michael McGregor, using hotel stationery as his canvas
Michael McGregor unveils an exclusive postcard set made with notepads from The Luxury Collection properties in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Savannah
-
A nature-inspired Chinese art centre cuts a crisp figure in a Guiyang park
A new Chinese art centre by Atelier Xi in the country's Guizhou Province is designed to bring together nature, art and community
-
William Kentridge's fluid sculptures are a vivid addition to the Yorkshire landscape
William Kentridge has opened the first major exhibition to focus on his sculptures outside of South Africa at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
-
Eileen Gray: A guide to the pioneering modernist’s life and work
Gray forever shaped the course of design and architecture. Here's everything to know about her inspiring career
-
The Grand Palais is a Parisian architectural feast, emerging from a mammoth restoration project
The Grand Palais reopens, unfurling its spectacular architectural splendour, meticulously restored by Chatillon Architectes – take a tour
-
Surrealist townhouse Villa Junot lights up Montmartre – and it’s for rent
We go inside Montmartre’s Villa Junot, a former composer’s home reimagined by interior design studio Claves, where surrealism meets art deco splendour
-
Stay in a Parisian apartment which artfully balances minimalism and warmth
Tour this pied-a-terre in the 7th arrondissement, designed by Valeriane Lazard
-
Marta Pan and André Wogenscky's legacy is alive through their modernist home in France
Fondation Marta Pan – André Wogenscky: how a creative couple’s sculptural masterpiece in France keeps its authors’ legacy alive
-
Paris’ architecturally fascinating Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station is now open
Villejuif-Gustave Roussy is part of the new Grand Paris Express, a transport network that will raise the architectural profile of the Paris suburbs
-
Explore wood architecture, Paris' new timber tower and how to make sustainable construction look ‘iconic’
A new timber tower brings wood architecture into sharp focus in Paris and highlights ways to craft buildings that are both sustainable and look great: we spoke to project architects LAN, and explore the genre through further examples
-
A transformed chalet by Studio Razavi redesigns an existing structure into a well-crafted Alpine retreat
This overhauled chalet in the French Alps blends traditional forms with a highly bespoke interior