colorful brick cladding adorns school campus in france after sweeping makeover

rejuvenation of Saint-Exupéry School Campus in France 

Geneva- and Paris-based Chatillon Architectes have fully renovated a secondary boarding school in France. The original structure created by architects Louis G. Noviant and Roger Michaud in 1967 took shape as block-like buildings designed following the tastes of that time. Thus, the design team opted for a sweeping remodel to form a structure that responds better to the needs of this type of facility. Apart from functionality, they sought to add some colorful pops, giving a rather contemporary and playful touch to the whole structure.
all images ©Cyril Weiner

a welcoming, colorful environment for students

This full-renovation project started in the early 2000s, comprising the accommodation facilities, vocational school, and secondary school in 2014. Given the degradation of the buildings, the architects decided to retain only the beam-column structure in reinforced concrete, undertaking a full rebirth. The construction plan includes new facades in which the thermal envelope is composed of brick cladding in different colors, creating a lively contrast against the blue hue of the sky behind.

Meanwhile, in order to avoid the need for a wall or railings, Chatillon Architects surrounded the school’s accommodation facilities with tarraces, creating a welcoming environment for students. As for the interior, more functional double-height spaces were organized, revealing the building’s construction principle.