Following the launch of a habitat renovation plan (OPAH) in the community of Alès, located in the department of Gard, the color service of Akzo Nobel was called in to create and implement a color shading reference system.

The analysis of the site has allowed the highlighting of the dominating features and the chromatics of the site to be made, thus making it possible to relate the site to an architectural typography. The taking of samples, the identifying of tones within the shade system 3031 has allowed a photographic plot to be created using the commonly used color system.

In this region, located in the south of France, the ochre tinted pigments used are those which are found in the neighbouring quarries. The general palette continues this themes for the facades and mirrors this camaïeu range of yellow ochre's and reds. The detailed palette for wood and shutters uses in cold contrast subtle blues and olive greens.

This shade reference system has been submitted to the French building architects. In order to recreate and mimic the warm aspects of the old coats, the paint Setaliet, a silicon mineral based paint has been selected.

Presentation signs were used to make the public aware of the operation. These signs included the shade of a selected tint to be visible, with the goal of allowing the previsualisation of a blend of the colors in a row of houses.

These signs were presented under the form of notices and placed in and around the town following a presentation by the local Mayor. In conjunction with this presentation, Akzo Nobel offered the necessary products to renovate two facades which were selected from a competition. This event received extensive coverage in the local press.

To date 87 facades have been renovated in the districts of Alès using the colors of Sikkens.