Samuel–Paty Secondary School in Valenton by Archipente

Located in the heart of Valenton, France, the Samuel–Paty Secondary School designed by Archipente is a forward-thinking educational complex that integrates sustainable architecture, timber construction, and flexible spatial planning. Completed in 2022, the 8,500 m² campus includes three distinct but interconnected buildings: the secondary school, a public-access gymnasium, and staff residences. Together, they create a cohesive and community-oriented environment that balances functionality, ecological responsibility, and architectural clarity.

Site Strategy and Spatial Organization

The campus is situated at the intersection of Avenue Guy-Môquet and Rue du Colonel-Fabien, organized to promote independent operations for each program. The educational building and gymnasium are accessed via the newly developed pedestrian-friendly Mail Yvonne-Hagnauer, a car-free area that enhances student safety and community interaction. Staff housing is located to the north, strategically placed along Avenue Guy-Môquet, integrating seamlessly into the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Passive Design and Sustainable Materials

The project prioritizes passive solar design principles with all classrooms oriented south to maximize winter sun exposure while minimizing summer overheating using motorized blinds and vegetative shading. Constructed using over 1,000 m³ of locally sourced wood (85% from France), the buildings employ a timber-frame system that houses the insulation within its structure. This approach replaces traditional concrete construction with prefabricated glulam frames set on a 120 cm grid, enabling material efficiency and modular adaptability.

Light-Filled, Flexible Interiors

Interiors are defined by a palette of white surfaces, exposed wood, and raw concrete, emphasizing natural light and visual warmth. Abundant daylight filters through continuous triple-glazed window bands and light-reflecting stainless steel ducts, illuminating classrooms, corridors, and practical workspaces. Open-plan configurations, supported by removable partitions, accommodate future pedagogical or programmatic changes without structural constraints.

Gymnasium and Community Use

The gymnasium is a multifunctional facility with a 14-meter climbing wall, a dance studio, and sports courts. Designed for both school and public use, it includes independent access routes and adaptable scheduling. Its expressive timber structure with large northwest-facing windows and roof lights fosters an uplifting environment for both athletic and cultural activities.

Climatic Strategy and Photovoltaic Integration

Prepared for the future, the project integrates provisions for a photovoltaic energy system. Roof structures and technical setups have been dimensioned to support solar panel installations, aligning with the building’s ambition to meet Passive Plus Building certification standards. This initiative aligns with the municipality’s broader goal of energy independence and climate resilience.

Architectural Expression

All facades share a consistent architectural language: light gray fiber cement panels (Equitone), cream-toned window spandrels, and steel sunshades that animate the exterior with shifting shadows throughout the day. The design emphasizes thermal comfort, aesthetic coherence, and material durability, reflecting the school’s commitment to long-term performance and community identity.

All Phtographs are works of Nicolas Trouillard