The Parisian agency Epicuria (Jean-Michel Buron) delivered in 2021 to Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique) for the project owner Departmental Council, the reconstruction – on a busy site – of the Collège Isabelle Autissier, which accommodates 800 students. Floor area: 4,880 m². Cost of the work: €12 million without tax. Communicated.
This project shows the desire to expand the landscape and architectural heritage of this exceptional site to offer a natural environment to the students and teams of the college.
Nature is at the heart of the architectural proposal, a source of inspiration, elevation of the spirit, and well-being. Similar to a large ship at dock, the building is built in length but bends in its center for greater lightness and to seek the best views and light.
Transparency, brilliance, functionality, such is the belief of the agency. The composite aluminum facades promote the play of reflections while interacting with the surrounding buildings in grey-zinc colors. On each floor, nature enters the college, offering perspectives on the horizon to provide well-being and comfort.
The lake and the Erdre are visible from the south-facing region. The classrooms and the CDI are bathed in natural light and overlook the trees and vegetation. The circular areas, corridors and even the north facade of the upper floor are pierced by large openings overlooking the sky, the view, the landscape. The playground is bordered by a green theater with fruit trees and a vegetable garden accessible to students.
The entire Isabelle Autissier college rests on a base of local stone. These walls penetrate inside the college. Allied to wood and light, they are sources of harmony, beauty, well-being and reconnect to the earth and matter. They give the building an organic character to inhabit this college as a landscape.