Architects: R2K Architectes
Area: 9,480 m²
Year: 2013
Photography: Jussi Tiainen
Project Team: Grenoble, Veronique Klimime, Olavi Koponen
Construction: Holzbau Amann
Wood Engineering: Xavier Ceccarello / Gaujard Technologie
Paintings: Lauri Ahlgren
City: Mions
Country: France
Groupe Scolaire Pasteur, an educational complex designed by R2K Architectes in Limeil-Brevannes near Paris, features three preschools and two elementary schools. Completed in 2013, the 9,480 m² project was constructed using the “conception-construction” system and includes a social housing apartment buildings. This sustainable project emphasizes redefining urban space and creating distinct identities for each school.
The building is located in Limeil-Brevannes, consisting of three preschool and two elementary schools. The project used the “conception-construction” system, where competition teams propose all plans and construction at fixed price. beside schools, the program included an apartment building of social housing with 46 flats. The competition lasted one month, with the decision made in April 2011, and the building inaugurated 18 month later. The construction of the apartment building starts in the following April. The winning entry for the ‘wooden school’ by Grenoble-based R2K Architectes was conceived in 30 days and erected in 18 months.
The mayor, committed to sustainable issues, prioritized wooden schools and urban considerations in the selection process.
Two main issues were identified by the architects. First, the new building would significantly impact the future urban space of the city center. facing the town hall in the north and adjacent to the “mediatheque,” the southern side connects to a square formed by new apartment buildings, with a 4-meter latitude difference from north to south. The western side connects to private houses. The area was scattered, and the goal was to create precisely formed urban spaces. The architects’ proposal differed from the existing urban plan, aiming to redefine Limeil-Brevannes’ future urban space while focusing on sustainability.
Second, as one of France’s largest school buildings, accommodating around 1000 pupils, the aim was to give each school its own identity and community within the larger framework. Each school is grouped around its own courtyard, following a traditional classroom structure. They share a common restaurant and library, but the intention was for each school to function as its own entity. The goal was to seamlessly connect inner and outer space. The complex is made of 3000 cubic meters of wood, playfully integrating interior and exterior spaces. The construction method (Lignotrend) follows a rationalistic planning principle.
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Project Location
Address: 1 Rue Julie-Victoire Daubié, Limeil-Brévannes 94450, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
