The project, winner of the Cité des Sciences et de la Nature competition, involved the renovation of an existing building in La Rochelle, including its partial replacement with a straw-insulated timber extension
Sustainability and reuse intertwine in this archi5 project, which won the 2019 Cité des Sciences et de la Nature competition for the transformation of the Lavoisier school in La Rochelle. Commissioned as part of the Territoire Zéro Carbone program, the project involved creating a school dedicated to nature as part of revitalizing the Villeneuve-les-Salines neighborhood and making it a hub for the entire community.
The archi5 studio renovated the two lateral wings of the existing 1970s building, demolishing only the central part of the structure to replace it with two new timber extensions with straw insulation. This design approach reduced the project’s carbon footprint by 30% against a traditional school, equating to 839 tons of CO2.
The choice of bio-sourced materials, natural ventilation, and the removal of waterproofing from external surfaces capped off this sustainability-oriented approach. Outdoor spaces were redesigned using organic materials, such as wood chips, striking a balance between technical efficiency and integration with nature.
The interiors feature a palette of pastel shades, ranging from green to orange, selected to create an intimate and familiar atmosphere for children. White plastered walls, timber, and exposed beams enhance the environment, while extensive glazing provides ample natural light and visual connections with outside.
Essential to the design was strengthening the connection between the school and its natural setting. The design team reimagined outdoor spaces to encourage interaction with the surrounding ecosystem. Conceived as educational tools, bridges and walkways let students to explore the landscape and deepen their knowledge of nature.
One of the key elements of the project is a pier, designed as a nature observatory that offers excellent views of the nearby lake. This area acts as a hub for both educational and recreational activities, allowing children to discover and interact with local biodiversity.
Materials from the old school were recovered and reused in the new facility. Some structural elements were transformed into coat racks and seats, demonstrating how reuse can combine sustainability and aesthetics. This approach meant reducing CO2 emissions by 34 tons, further reducing the project’s environmental impact.
During the design phase, teachers took part in consultation workshops, contributing to defining the spaces based on their needs. Students also played an active role in the project, planting trees and contributing to the creation of outdoor spaces.
>>> Also discover the new Camille Claudel school complex, designed by Gaëtan Le Penhuel & Associés
Location: La Rochelle, France
Completion: 2024
Architect: archi5
Client: City of La Rochelle
Area: 4 457 sq. m
Consultants
Structural, Thermotechnical, Electrical, Landscape, Economist and BIM : Egis bâtiment Centre Ouest
Acoustics: Acoustb
Photography by Sergio Grazia, courtesy of archi5