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Architects: Gayet-Roger Architects
- Area: 813 m²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Sergio Grazia
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Manufacturers: Egoin, Createc, Griesser, Jousselin, Techan
Text description provided by the architects. Designed like a game of cubes, seen from the street, the crèche asserts is playful character by the stacking up and setting of volumes of different materials and colors. A subtle play between the building and gardens is used to divert the constraints of the town planning regulations for the benefit of the building. The program is developed like a walking path from the street to the heart of the block, punctuated by a succession of different gardens and living spaces for children. Thus, the crèche is composed of two elements: the landscape (outside space bringing in light, air, vegetation, water) and the building containing the program. These two elements overlap and interact to maintain a constant flow between the outside and the inside. The interiors and gardens are designed at the scale of the child: "what we, adults, perceive as blades of grass, children perceive as the forest floor canopey”.
Our inspiration is based on several factors:
-The situation and the context of the project: the neighborhood is primarily residential, it seemed important to create a building that is identifiable as a public building. But we also wanted to create a “cocoon” for children and do not exposed them on the street. That’s why we have made the choice to position all the technical premises and offices one the street side, that’s why the facade is relatively closed. We opened the building on the interior side and the garden.
-The functionality: Our first objective was to create a functional building, which is essential for a nursery where hygiene and safety aspects are quite stricts. Once the functionality was etablished, we could work on the aesthetic part of the building.
-The early childhood program: We worked on a playful aspect by assembling volumes and colors, while remaining relatively straightforward with materials and soft colors. So users can easily take ownership and add “life”to the building (children's drawings, colorful rugs and games etc ...). On the other hand, it was essential for us to work on the light, the framing and the views that are essential tools for the awakening of children. The crèche should not simply be a “building” but an awakening tool and game for children.
For the building’s structure, we have made the choice to use prefabricated materials whether for the ground and the first floor. This reduces the construction time and nuisances for the neighborhood (noices, dust, etc…). On the ground floor, you can found the technique of “insulated double concrete walls” allowing to have concrete finishing inside and outside the building (because the insulator is located between the two skins of concrete).
The concrete was simply varnished to protect it. On the side of the garden, we have dressed up the front of a wooden trellis ( larch ). On the first floor, the structure is made with prefabricated wood panels. The timber finish (pine) is visible from the inside, the insulation is located on the outside. The wood siding is retified poplar. The windows are made with aluminum. The interior furniture is made with oak veneer.
