Architectural Cases

Atelier Tropisme Mécanique has ingeniously blended contemporary living with historical reverence through the construction of two distinct residences nestled within the expansive grounds of a 17th-century French manor. These architectural additions, characterized by their L-shaped footprints and facades adorned with local Armorican granite, are more than mere dwellings; they are a thoughtful extension of the manor's garden aesthetic, crafted to harmonize with the existing heritage. The design philosophy emphasizes creating intimate, private spaces that also thoughtfully integrate with the surrounding natural beauty and the historical context of the site.

Each of these meticulously designed homes boasts a central living, dining, and kitchen area, serving as the heart of the residence and seamlessly extending into a private, walled courtyard. The strategic use of materials, particularly the local granite and the oak detailing, along with carefully positioned windows and a low-pitched zinc roof, contributes to a refined architectural statement that respects its storied environment while offering modern comfort and elegance.

Harmonizing Modernity with Historical Grandeur

Atelier Tropisme Mécanique's project introduces two contemporary homes into the historical setting of a 17th-century French manor, showcasing a delicate balance between new construction and existing heritage. The residences, named Houses on Rue de Clermont, are distinguished by their L-shaped forms and exteriors clad in regionally sourced Armorican granite. This material choice is a deliberate nod to local building traditions, allowing the new structures to integrate seamlessly with the aged elegance of the manor. The architect's vision was to create buildings that act as 'architectural appendages' to the manor, extending its 'garden logic' rather than competing with its historical presence. This approach is evident in the homes' low profiles and their strategic orientation, which respects the manor while establishing their own distinct identity within the sprawling park.

The integration of these modern homes into such a significant historical landscape was a meticulous undertaking. The design team, led by Thomas Motrieux, focused on understanding the intrinsic character of the 17th-century manor and its grounds. The decision to use L-shaped layouts was functional, allowing for the creation of secluded courtyard spaces that enhance privacy for residents while still offering framed views of the surrounding natural environment. The choice of Armorican granite for the exterior cladding was not merely aesthetic; it provided a material connection to the region's architectural past. The careful laying of the granite in patterns reminiscent of traditional lintels further reinforces this bond. The design thoughtfully considers how the new homes interact with the original estate, ensuring that each element contributes to a cohesive architectural narrative that celebrates both history and innovation.

Designing for Seclusion and Scenic Integration

The internal organization and exterior planning of the Houses on Rue de Clermont are designed to maximize both privacy and engagement with the natural surroundings. Each home features a central communal area—encompassing living, dining, and kitchen spaces—that flows directly onto a concrete patio and a private, square, walled courtyard. This layout is pivotal in creating an intimate 'microcosm' for residents, shielded from the outside world yet bathed in natural light. Bedrooms and a study are strategically positioned to overlook these serene courtyards and gardens through expansive windows, which are thoughtfully shaded by the overhang of the mono-pitched zinc roof. The varying heights of the courtyard walls are a key design feature, allowing ample light penetration while offering curated views of the lush planting beyond the immediate perimeter.

The meticulous attention to detail extends to the material palette and the structural elements of the homes. Oak joinery is a prominent feature, defining the interiors around the courtyard-facing windows and continuing into the internal doorframes, contrasting beautifully with the white-painted walls. This consistent use of oak introduces a sense of warmth and continuity throughout the living spaces. Architect Motrieux highlights the 'subtle yet powerful' impact of the stepping walls, which invite daylight while maintaining a sense of enclosure. The lightweight standing-seam zinc roof, with its shallow pitch and traditional Lavallois-style gutters, contributes to a 'refined, horizontal silhouette' that gracefully integrates with the site's topography. Furthermore, the patio facades incorporate hybrid oak-aluminium joinery, striking a balance between natural warmth, long-term durability, and contemporary precision. This combination of traditional materials with modern techniques exemplifies the project's dedication to creating homes that are both timeless and forward-thinking.

Embracing Innovation: Sustainable Design Meets Industrial Heritage

Architectural Vision: Harmonizing Past and Future

The Robert Badinter Secondary School in Cambrai, France, designed by Coldefy and Relief Architects, boasts a distinctive cantilevered first floor that gracefully defines its main entrance. This timber-framed structure, situated on the historic grounds of a former railyard directly opposite the city's 19th-century train station, is a cornerstone of an extensive urban renewal initiative. Accommodating 650 students, the school's design is a thoughtful nod to its industrial past while embracing a forward-looking architectural language.

Materiality and Form: A Blend of Strength and Warmth

The school's design adheres to a deliberately restrained material palette, primarily featuring a timber-framed upper level atop a concrete ground floor, all enveloped by wooden facades. This combination not only addresses the region's seismic requirements—with concrete ensuring structural integrity and longevity—but also infuses the environment with the natural warmth and aesthetic appeal of wood. Coldefy proudly states this is the inaugural timber-framed educational facility in northern France, highlighting a commitment to innovative construction methods and a strong emphasis on natural materials.

Echoes of History: Railway-Inspired Aesthetics

In a respectful acknowledgment of its historical context, the upper section of the Robert Badinter Secondary School features an angled gabled roof, deliberately echoing the characteristic forms of traditional railway depots. This roof extends beyond the building's footprint, forming a sheltered canopy that marks the school's entry point. The architects aimed to forge a new communal structure that not only serves its educational purpose but also engages in a meaningful dialogue with the rich industrial memory of its location.

Interior Dynamics: Light, Space, and Connection

Within the primary academic block, classrooms are thoughtfully distributed across two levels, centered around a luminous atrium. This central void is illuminated by skylights, ensuring ample natural light permeates the circulation areas, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere. Specialized science laboratories, student common areas, and quiet study halls occupy the ground floor, while general academic classrooms, the library, and media resources are situated on the first floor. To enhance the interior's inviting feel, Coldefy utilized spruce wood, mirroring the external cladding and creating a cohesive design language.

Campus Layout: Interconnected Learning and Recreation

Adjacent to the principal linear academic structure, a secondary elongated, timber-clad building houses a contemporary glass-fronted cafeteria and administrative facilities for staff. These two main architectural volumes delineate a central courtyard, a dynamic outdoor space comprising a playground, a sports field, a running track, and designated parking for staff. This strategic arrangement promotes an integrated campus experience, seamlessly blending academic pursuits with recreational activities.

Sustainable Pathways: Green Connections and Passive Shading

A covered walkway at ground level establishes a sheltered connection among the teaching zones, dining facilities, staff quarters, and playground, enhancing accessibility and interaction across the campus. Furthermore, a substantial south-facing roof overhang serves a dual purpose: it offers effective passive shading, contributing to the building's energy efficiency by mitigating solar heat gain, and embodies the school's commitment to sustainable design. This thoughtful integration of natural elements underscores a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

Beyond Education: Community Sports and Heritage Preservation

As part of the comprehensive project, a train shed originally constructed in 1906, located directly across the street, underwent a significant transformation. This historic structure was meticulously retrofitted into a versatile 934-square-meter sports complex. This facility is designed not only for school use during educational hours but also opens its doors to the public outside of these times, fostering community engagement and providing a valuable recreational asset. The restoration efforts preserved the shed's original red-brick exterior, while the interior was modernized with contemporary OSB panels, contrasting elegantly with the historic iron trusses and creating a bright, functional space.

Environmental Stewardship: A Commitment to Green Building

The school's design incorporates several advanced features aimed at optimizing energy efficiency. A biomass boiler, powered by locally sourced pellets, efficiently satisfies 80% of the heating demand. Additionally, solar panels contribute 15% of the electricity needs, while a rainwater harvesting system supplies half of the water required for the restrooms. These integrated sustainable solutions have earned both the school and its sports hall an 'Excellent' certification under France's stringent High Environmental Quality (HQE) rating system, underscoring a deep commitment to ecological responsibility and innovative green building practices.