Likened by the architects to a "vertebrate organism slipping into the fragmented plot", the school's design is based on a structure entirely made out of timber, digitised, optimised and prefabricated in a workshop-factory, a process which allowed it to be mounted in a matter of months by craftsmen.
The building, including structural frames every one and a half metres, is covered with a green roof for water retention and thermal mass. The elevations are cladded with glass and aluminium panels aligned on the frame to frame distance resulting in an aluminum envelope — only 4 mm thick — which allows for insulation.
Kindergarten classrooms are located on the ground floor and have access from the schoolyard, while the elementary school is located upstairs with a large "oriel" window providing heat input during winter, and a view from inside the school into the distance.
Client: city of Le Bourget
Architects: Bruno J. Hubert, Michel Roy, Elyas Khouadja
Collaborating architects: B. Bonijoly, G.Shanishev
Project: competition winner 2008
Completion June 2011
Typology: school, 12 classrooms
Area: 2800 square metres
Cost: 4 800 000 €
EDD all building trades: CET
EDD acoustics: AVEL
Contractors: Rabot-Dutilleul (main contractor), Mathis (wooden structure), SACER, (VRD), DERICHEBOURG (fluids), REZZA, (electrician)
