bio-based materials form playful facade for reconstructed primary school in france

Hesters Oyon builds timber facade for primary school in france 

Hesters Oyon Architectes rebuilt the Grandes Terres primary school in France under environmentally friendly development. Located in a residential area in the northeast of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the primary school undertook the reconstruction of a recreation center and an extension of the main building. The objective of the project was to provide urbanity to the site and to design a playful new facade for the school made out of wood. Along the main facade, an axis bordered by trees was created to lead to all the entrances to the school. The new building connects the school to the recreation center through fully glazed circulations that cross the landscaped patios. This spatial organization ensures functional autonomy between the components of the primary school and limits the nuisances of the school’s worksite.

the spatial organization ensures functional autonomy in an urban site | all images by Hesters Oyon Architectes

ethical materials for a space dedicated to children

The architects constructed the main framework in an environmentally friendly manner using bio-based wood. Bio-based materials were used throughout the whole structure, from the timber roof, the wood frame wall, and the larch cladding, to the openings and interior spruce woodwork. The water tightness of the ‘envelope’ has been carefully studied and implemented to limit energy loss. The origami roof, coated with zinc, seems to float above the existing site. The playful geometry of the roof gives off a warm atmosphere to the exterior of the building. Natural light is spread all over the interior, as all areas connect with the gardens. The materiality of the wood creates a pleasant ambiance in those spaces dedicated to children. The usage of the materials and the arrangement of the openings establish a strong relationship between the interior and the exterior and increases the integration of the building in its landscape site.

the wood creates a pleasant ambiance in those spaces dedicated to children

the arrangement of the openings establishes a strong relationship between the interior and the exterior

bio-based materials were used throughout the whole structure

all areas are connected to the gardens through glazed openings

the main framework is made out of bio-based wood

project info:

name: Recreation center and extension of the Grandes Terres primary school
designer: Elise Hesters – Hesters Oyon Architectes

location: Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom