Why is this school built of wood? You might be surprised to learn that École primaire les Bartelottes, completed in 2015, is a testament to sustainable architecture. The architects, Nomade Architects, chose wood as the primary material for a very specific reason. They wanted to create a school that felt connected to its natural surroundings. École primaire les Bartelottes sits between the edge of the Forêt de la Turaude, a protected woodland, and the residential neighborhood of Ville-du-Bois. The architects wanted to blur the lines between the built and natural environment. The use of wood, both structurally and in the finishings, achieves this. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the school’s natural surroundings. Even the caretaker’s accommodation, a separate structure on the school grounds, boasts a light wood frame. The gym, however, tells a different story. Its concrete structure and metal-mesh sport hall stand in contrast to the school’s wooden design. This deliberate contrast is not accidental. The gym, positioned between the school and the town, acts as a visual bridge between the natural world and the more urban materials of the town. École primaire les Bartelottes is not just a school. It is a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the important role our environment plays in our lives.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.