Crèche des Orteaux

A delicate and discreet building clad in a fine lacework facade – completed by Avenier Cornejo in Paris’ 20th arrondissement – provide a reassuring atmosphere where children can grow and prosper.

Avenier Cornejo Architectes,  Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris
Avenier Cornejo completed a crèche for 66 children in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.

The crèche is located in the new Fréquel Fontarabie district, where the public pathway meets the square. It is a unique building which adds to the identity of the neighbourhood.

Being one of the first places that children discover outside their own family unit, a crèche needs to provide a reassuring atmosphere where children can grow and prosper. The crèche is there both to protect children and help them discover the world around them.

Avenier Cornejo Architectes,  Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris. Photo © David Foessel
Avenier Cornejo Architectes, Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris. Photo © David Foessel

The aim was to design a delicate and discreet building that would fit neatly into the triangular plot of land. The building is clad in a fine lacework facade that forms a protective layer of perforated metal panels designed to unify, adorn and filter.

This delicate layer reacts to changes in light. For acoustic and thermal reasons, the structure of the building is made of concrete and lined with insulation and metal cladding. The garden and terraces are easily accessible through large glass doors. In order to comply with local urban planning regulations and fulfil the design specifications, the crèche is spread over two floors.

Avenier Cornejo Architectes,  Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris. Photo © David Foessel
Avenier Cornejo Architectes, Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris. Photo © David Foessel

The entrance of the crèche is on the northern facade, where the square is located. The central hallway is designed to absorb the irregular angles of the building. Given the length of the building, a patio was built into the plan to provide natural sunlight for the service facilities. The patio also provides thermoregulation, particularly in summer. The service facilities, which require access for deliveries, are located along the hallway, alternating with the other rooms.

The garden area at the back of the plot is planted with a maple tree and various bushes, and provides an exit to the public pathway. The living quarters can be found in an apartment on the 2nd and 3rd floors. This apartment has both a north and a south facade. It can be accessed via a separate entrance, but shares the same lift as the crèche.


Crèche des Orteaux, Fréquel Fontarabie district, Paris
Program: nursery
Architects: Avenier Cornejo Architectes
Client: SLA20 – Section local de l’architecture de la Ville de Paris
Graphic design: Les produits de l’épicerie
Contractor: SRC Bâtiment
Area: 1037.5 sqm
Completion: 2014

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