Paul Eluard Secondary School, Montereau-Fault-Yonne FR

Divided into time slots so school life could go on as smoothly as possible during the restructuring, the renovation work involved changing all the functions of the educational establishment. A structure with entrances on either side, limited storage space for materials, the need to create various secure entrances to the institution consecutively according to the work phases… The BW Dumot architectural firm met these high-stake challenges with agility in organisational terms. Of course, by choosing a ventilated facade solution on a subframe and products renowned for their ease of installation and great resistance, the firm was able to optimise the External Thermal Insulation (ETI) phase.

Changing the perception of the institution through the building envelope

Located in a so-called sensitive neighbourhood, Paul Eluard Secondary School was ageing, with deteriorating facades. Its new generation design had to mark a change in order to both encourage residents to see the institution in a new light and help the students to reclaim the school.

Since the college is located in a green space, away from the centre but overlooking the entire city below, the architectural firm chose a sleek design, a smooth and structured white mineral look, and the PAPYRUS finish (crumpled paper). In this way, while aiming for an understated look, the firm was able to create a strong contrast with the school’s surroundings, so that it would stand out and become a landmark.

It was through the building envelope and the treatment of the facade that architect Barbara Dumont was able to express this aesthetic preference.