On June 3rd, a visit was organized to the construction site of the new public middle school for 600 students (including 4 staff housing units) in Chaumes-en-Retz. The visit was attended by local officials, the Real Estate Department of Loire-Atlantique, and our architectural teams from AIA Life Designers, represented by Céline LEDUBY (lead architect of the project).
With this project, the Loire-Atlantique Department is supporting the region’s demographic growth and the evolving educational needs of the Pays de Retz, helping to balance student numbers across other schools in the area.
Designed in 2021, the 4,900 m² building spans three levels, including a dining area. It is an ambitious project in terms of both design and environmental performance, addressing several local challenges and the needs of modern educational buildings.
The building’s design features volumes that harmoniously interact with the surrounding environment. The ground-level structures are fully clad in zinc, with tones that echo the neighboring residential houses. On the upper floors, light, neutral materials were chosen to blend into the landscape and ensure aesthetic consistency. The use of bio-based, locally sourced materials with low carbon impact, minimally processed and recyclable at the end of their life, such as wood, contributes to an effective response to environmental sustainability challenges (insulation made of linen, hemp, and cotton from Vendée, seaweed-based paints, French-certified wood, recyclable linoleum flooring).
The orientation of the buildings, the choice of materials, and the installation of a wood-fired heating system all contribute to energy efficiency and the comfort of the occupants.
(Energy and carbon approach: Cep ≤ 0.80 Cep max RT2012 / Bbio < 0.70 Bbio max RT2012 / Level E3 C1 / Airtightness < 0.8 m3/(h.m²)).
Functionally, the school is designed to offer a conducive learning environment, with a stratification of spaces suited to different uses. The upper floors are dedicated to education, while the ground floor houses reception and relaxation areas.
A variety of plant species have been selected to promote biodiversity and reduce allergens, ensuring the well-being of occupants while harmoniously integrating the school into its natural environment.
More than just a learning facility, the middle school in Chaumes-en-Retz fosters connections through a design centered on creating new types of social and rejuvenation spaces.
#MiddleSchool #Health #Education #BioBased #LowCarbon
© Photos: Paul Pascal – Loire-Atlantique Department.
