Article source: GRAAL ARCHITECTURE 

The design for the extension of the Alliés de Chavannes nursery school draws on its context within the landscape and its integration within the site. The three new volumes that house the extension connect to the longitudinal circulation of the existing building in such a way as to allow them to be perceived as separate pavilions. The existing building is reconfigured to become the school’s spine. Distinguished by two types of metal cladding – galvanized steel and anthracite zinc – the new volumes provide a visible distinction between the original building and its extension. The new volumes are organized to ensure fluidity and a programmatic organization in harmony with the existing functioning of the school, logically inserted between the trees and providing views of the surrounding vegetation. Elevated on steel stilts and with facade openings offering each space a variety of orientations, the extensions allow pupils to imagine that their school is a tree house!

Image Courtesy © David Foessel

• Architects: GRAAL ARCHITECTURE
• Project: Nursery School Extension
• Location: Mantes-la-Ville, France
• Photography: David Foessel
• Client: Ville de Mantes-la-Ville (France)
• Consultants: LBE ingénierie (mechanical/electrical engineer), C&E ingénierie (structural engineer)
• Awards: ArchiDesignClub Awards 2016, First Prize ” Enseignement / Petite enfance et élémentaire”, Building of the Year Awards 2016 Archidaily, Nomination
• Surface area: 810 m² total, 500 m² refurbishment, 310 m² extension
• Calendar: Studies : 2012-2013, Delivery : May 2015

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