![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-squea_versailles_0708_02.jpg)
Versailles Pavilion by Explorations Architecture
Paris-based Explorations Architecture have sent us these images of a temporary entrance-pavilion they have designed for the Chateau de Versailles in France.
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_01.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_01.jpg)
The 350 square metre structure provides crowd regulation, a visitors' centre, security checks and cloakroom.
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_05.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_05.jpg)
Building was completed this summer; the pavilion will remain in place until 2011.
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_06.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_06.jpg)
Photographs by Michel Denancé.
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_10.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_10.jpg)
The following text is from Explorations Architecture
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TEMPORARY ENTRANCE PAVILION TO THE CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES
VERSAILLES, FRANCE
CREDITS
Client
Etablissement public du musée et du domaine national de Versailles with VINCI (sponsor)
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_07.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_07.jpg)
Timeframe:
Competition November 2007
Completion July 2008
Expected demolition 2011
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_02.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_02.jpg)
Budget and footage
1.8m euros (350m2)
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_11.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_11.jpg)
Location
Right in the middle of the Cour d’honneur du Château de Versailles
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_14.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_14.jpg)
Functions
Temporary main entrance to the Château
Crowd regulation
Visitor’s information
Safety checks and cloakroom (your toothpaste will be confiscated…)
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_15.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_15.jpg)
Capacity
Approx. 15 000 visitors a day (summer season)
Shape
A modern horn of plenty with a big mouth and a small tail
Inspiration
Fushimi inari temples in Japan
Christo’s Central park Gates
Complexity
All glass panes and portal frames are different.
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_17.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_17.jpg)
Materials
Concrete slab and footings
Painted Steel portal frames
Laminated clear glass for facades and roof
Douglas timber brise soleil
Rubber flooring
Fluorescent lighting
![versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_22.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2008/12/versailles-pavilion-by-explorations-architecture-ea_versailles_0708_22.jpg)
Architects
Explorations architecture (Benoît le Thierry d’Ennequin+ Yves Pagès)
Engineers
Terrell
Main contractors
CBC service+ Eiffel + Satob + France Lanord et Bichaton + SDEL