Bonnard Wœffray — Architectes FAS / SIA

Bovernier Primary School Extension

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

BOVERNIER PRIMARY SCHOOL EXTENSION

Bonnard Woeffray Architectes

PHOTOGRAPHS
Hannes Henz

AREA
1630.0 m2

YEAR
2010

LOCATION
Bovernier, Switzerland

CATEGORY
Schools

Text description provided by architect.

Like an immense suit of protective armour, the extension to Bovernier School forms a natural shield against avalanches. The building is located at the foot of an incline.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

The habitable wall is articulated in both length and height to adhere closely to the topography of the site and create space for the play and games areas.

Complementing the existing classrooms building, the enlargement houses a range of functions required by both school and community:

physical education, creative activities, kindergarten, plus singing and gym clubs.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

Rather like a train, these functions follow a logical sequence relative to the village and the functioning of the school:

first comes the day nursery, followed by the primary school in the centre and the gym at the end.

The spaces are juxtaposed, linkable and separable for maximum flexibility and optimum economical rationality.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

The enlargement 'plugs' into the existing school via a covered walkway flown above the playground.

Avalanches are blocked by the major spaces that emerge from the incline. They are diverted by the service spaces that bury themselves and slant laterally.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

To bear the weight and thrust of the snow, the enlargement is reinforced by a series of blades that serve to strengthen it across its width. As a construction it resembles a work of art. Its structure is concrete.

Providing a contrast with the visible concrete, the ceilings and plywood walls serving an acoustic function imbue the spaces with a certain domesticity. The colour scheme, here pastel, there vivid, bathes the north- facing spaces in a range of hues.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz

The sole emergent facade is clad in a metallic skin pierced with mirrored, flush glazing that does not impinge on the continuity.

The other facades are greened with vegetation. The lustre of the raw aluminium reflects the light of the hillside opposite, giving the site a new dimension.

Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz


Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz
Bovernier Primary School Extension
© Hannes Henz


Bovernier Primary School Extension
Section
Bovernier Primary School Extension
Section
Bovernier Primary School Extension
Elevation


Bovernier Primary School Extension
Plan
Bovernier Primary School Extension
Plan
Bovernier Primary School Extension
Plan

Bonnard Wœffray — Architectes FAS / SIA
T +41 24 4722970
Bonnard Wœffray — Architectes FAS / SIA
Av. de France 24, 1870 Monthey, Switzerland