
The town council of Audierne has initiated a project to landscape a roundabout that reflects the town’s DNA. This article outlines the design and construction phases of the project, highlighting the importance of selecting materials suited to the site’s environment — in this case, activated and stabilised corten steel. Through laser-cut detailing and integrated lighting, the installation achieves a strong visual impact both by day and by night, evoking the local identity.
This inspiration showcases the importance of incorporating environmental and site-specific characteristics into the design of a roundabout.
Custom Landscaping of a Roundabout
Design & Manufacturing
The Town Council of Audierne (29) contacted us to support a landscape development project for a roundabout. The aim was to transform the existing layout and create a distinctive identity in this prominent traffic area.
We provided guidance throughout the project to design a space that truly reflects the town’s character.
Moreover, the marine air environment was a critical factor to consider in ensuring a durable result, as the roundabout runs alongside the Goyen river, near the estuary.
CLIENT
TOWN COUNCIL OF AUDIERNE
LOCATION
AUDIERNE, FRANCE
MATERIAL
ACTIVATED AND STABILISED CORTEN STEEL
How to design and develop a roundabout?
1. Site analysis
2. Theme identification
3. Preliminary design
4. Approval and funding
5. Construction and maintenance

The Audierne roundabout project: a combination of expertise, sustainability, and local identity
To better understand the design choices, it is essential to consider the context of Audierne, a charming coastal town in the Finistère region of Brittany. Bordered by the Iroise Sea and the Goyen river, the town offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is well known for its picturesque fishing harbour, where local fishermen land fresh catch daily.
Audierne also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses and artisan shops selling local products like cider, cheese, and Breton galettes.
Materials, Products and Expertise
The development consists of four open-bottom cylindrical planters. These containers form the structural basis of the composition, creating visual volume and hierarchy.
The planters are made from sandblasted, activated, and stabilised corten steel, a material particularly well suited to marine environments. Since corten is already oxidised, it is resistant to further degradation, ensuring long-term durability and requiring little to no maintenance.
But corten’s benefits go beyond durability. Its warm ochre tones blend naturally with the existing architectural landscape, making it the ideal material for Audierne, a town rich in cultural and historical texture. Corten also provides a strong visual base for floral and planted compositions, enhancing the contrast and depth of the vegetation.
Each planter features laser-cut motifs that create a striking effect during both day and night, thanks to internal LED lighting. The motifs represent elements tied to the identity of Audierne. To simplify planting, open-bottom containers were inserted inside the corten planters, allowing for direct soil planting, which is more sustainable and less maintenance-intensive than traditional potted plants.

Interested in this project?
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If you’d like to find out more, we invite you to explore our inspirations and discover the full scope of our know-how and completed projects. With over 30 years of experience in public space planning, Atech supports your urban greening and landscaping projects from ideation to completion.
Let’s work together to find the solutions that suit your project best.
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