The urban planning project located in Sin Le Noble, in «Le Raquet» and « Les Epis » pertain to the environmentally friendly urban policy of the Douaisis. It was designed by Seura Architecture office. The inclusion of both areas in the city, the increase of its quality of life, as well as the change in the housing modes are some of the challenges this policy is facing.
Located on the south side of Sin Le Noble, the construction of the elementary school designed by ZigZag is the first step in the implementation of the project. The school links the old «Epis» district to the newly created « Le Raquet » district, sowing them to each other. The conception of the building follows the environmental and social principles developed in the urban project.
The school is a gate to this particular area of Sin Le Noble and can be easily located from the distance. Superimposed on the road network of the district, the building claims the boundaries of the 9 543 sqm of the plot. Its particular buckle shape grew out of the nature of its topography.
Completed in 2015, the 5 500 sqm school can host 540 pupils in 18 classes. It shapes and links the preschool and the elementary school, by the shared leisure breaks areas. You get a taste of easiness, community friendliness and light through its indoor use.
It follows a whole environmental approach grounded on its highly environmentally friendly requirements. The project translated the sustainable building mode regulations into features that nurtured its design : outside isolation, sunlight control, natural light in all the premises, rain water control, low energy consumption. The educational gardens are designed for the younger children to learn about a sustainable approach to their environment.
Bricks and glass, sustainable materials used for the façades give the building its presence. It can be read as both open and secure, transparent and opaque and provides its users with a pleasant space for them to learn and socialize, linked to the urban park under progress. The planted roof works as a non accessible hanging garden that combines beauty with energy regulations requirements.
