Despite the size difference between the two buildings, they both benefit from an open parcel and an urban context that imposes very few planning restrictions. Le Quernec chose to explore this contextual freedom, focusing on optimal functionality, safety and comfort, regardless of each building's size.
Developed from a uterine concept, the entrance is set back from the street and traffic, submerging visitors into the building. The interior is organized around a highly protected circular central space, around which children's spaces gravitate and converge. All sharp edges are rounded off, and even the external walls "undulate" around the internal spaces. At the very center of the building, the circus tent-like wooden structure ends with a 3 metre-wide vaulted ceiling made of polycarbonate, which ensures that the daylight is provided during the entire day.
Despite their atypical shapes, both volumes have been built using traditional construction methods and materials. The façades are made of insulating clay bricks, covered by 20 cm thick re-enforced mineral wool external insulation. The external surface is covered with a classic coating and then painted according a pattern determined by the architect. The internal surface is coated with plaster. The load bearing internal walls are made of reinforced concrete and they support the roof with glue laminated wooden beams that are curved shaped but mass-produced in order to decrease the manufacturing cost. A single layer damp-proof membrane covers the roof. The internal partition walls are made of double plasterboards, which are curved or straight. Perforated plasterboards cover the ceilings, improving overall acoustic comfort. The project also includes an under-floor heating system, covered by linoleum. Internal ecological paints are solvent-free. In order to reach BBC (Low Energy-Use Building) energy performances, the doors and windows are made of wood.
Client: Communauté de Communes du Pays Boulageois
Architect: Paul Le Quernec
Assistant architects: Damla Oktay, Michel Grasso, Benjamin Ringeisen, Guillaume Jenny
Area: 915 mq (Boulay) e 330 mq (Piblange)
Cost: 2,700,000 euro
Structural Consultant: HN ingénierie
Environmental Consultant: Solares Bauen
Consulente ambientale: Solares Bauen
Construction Economist: E3 Economie
Contractors: Muller, WIG france, Mathis, Lorscheider-Lorenzini, Bonecher, Ergenekon, Rucho-Sippel, SMF, Ugur Deniz, Appel, Prinz, Peintures réunies, Keip, Houllé, Spirk, Cuisine Pro
