Grandes Terres Primary School in Confans-Sainte-Honorine by Hesters Oyen Architectes

The Grandes Terres primary school is located in a residential area northeast of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. The project includes the reconstruction of a recreation center and the extension of the school. The aim is to create better conditions for the children's learning and development by providing more space and modern facilities.

The project's objective was to urbanize the site and offer a new façade to the school. Along the main façade, an axis bordered by trees redefines all the entrances to the school.

The new building connects the school to the recreation center through fully glazed circulations that cross landscaped patios. This provides a more efficient way for students and faculty to move between the two buildings while also enjoying the scenic views.

This type of spatial organization ensures functional autonomy between the components of the primary school, which in turn helps to limit any disruptive nuisances on the worksite that might impact the school community.

As for the construction itself, it is mainly made from wood - a biobased material that has been used in all its forms: from the timber roof and wood frame walls to the larch cladding, 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 oblique lines of the roof offer a softened atmosphere to the place.
The interior spaces, bathed in natural light, are always in relation to the gardens. The wood brings a warm ambiance to those spaces dedicated to children. It establishes a strong relationship between interior and exterior to increase the integration of the building in its landscape site. 

Hesters Oyon Architecture's design philosophy is based on a careful synthesis between functionality and esthetic, between tradition and modernity, which gives a special place to the environment and to the diversity of the students.

Architect: Hesters Oyon Architects

Project Year: 2022

Photo credits: Sergio Grazia

Location: Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France