Épône (78)
The aim was to construct a building that would meet the development needs of the new Épône-Mézières station hub, part of the Greater Paris area, and be able to accommodate 600 to 900 secondary school students by 2027,
The new secondary school will blend in with a very green site planted with trees, and will play with the constraints of the terrain, in particular a difference in level of almost 8 metres. It consists of two parallel wings, optimising the height difference in terms of exterior and interior circulation. A large, warm, transparent hall links the two wings and extends over two levels, offering views over the landscape and the school as a whole. The two buildings are designed as timber-framed structures, standing respectively on an earthen concrete base and a dry stone plinth, to blend harmoniously into the site. The façades are clad in natural wood, and all the roofs are planted with vegetation. The premises and classrooms, spread over 3 levels, are also made of wood. The upper floors are bathed in natural light thanks to large windows overlooking nature.
The school is also organised around a large tree-lined playground with a number of landscaped recreational areas that take advantage of the sloping terrain while preserving the site’s plant heritage. A sports area, an educational garden, a greenhouse and an orchard have been laid out within a profusion of green spaces.
This is a project that offers a high level of user comfort, with a strong environmental ambition, and a site that is adapted to the expectations and challenges of this fast-developing area.
