Collège Guy Dolmaire

As factors affecting student concentration and academic success, the school’s strategic alternatives were discussed in depth with the user representatives during the design and construction phases. Sheltered by the wing of the large, curving roof, the complex is structured as an educational village and a living environment open to nature. The various school activities are grouped in clusters that define spatial limits and reduce the noise levels by separating activities, while ensuring a high level of visual comfort through the choice of bright colors.

The project meets all 14 HQE targets applicable to architecture in the context of sustainable development in the areas of eco-construction, eco-management, comfort and health. A double cladding system providing passive solar heating ensures a 50% reduction in energy consumption. In the winter time, the internal temperature of the buffer space combined with the effect of heating elements radiate heat toward the cold walls, creating an even ambient temperature and improving winter-time comfort. In the summer, 2,000 adjustable louvers on the façade cool the air and provide pleasant natural ventilation. The solid wood construction of the load-bearing structure and the frame has contributed to an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In total, the construction used more than 15,000 cubic meters of wood originating from sustainable European forests.