Ameller Dubois

Claudine Hermann Secondary School

CLAUDINE HERMANN SECONDARY SCHOOL

Ameller Dubois

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

ARCHITECTS
Ameller Dubois

LEAD TEAM
Philippe Ameller

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > OTHER
Arwytec, Darras & Jouanin

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
WALD

DESIGN TEAM
Grégoire Seidel, Paul Pressensé, Telemaco Galante, Mathieu Ha, Noémie Gendron, Camille Henry

MANUFACTURERS
KEIM, Sto, Cipa Gres, Formica, Gerflor, PIERI, POLYREY, Pavigrés, Primus Vitória, Ratheau, Ripolin, Villeroy & Boch

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > MEP
Scoping

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > STRUCTURAL
Ligot, CTB

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > ACOUSTIC
Cap Horn Solutions

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > SERVICES
S3M Thermique

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Inddigo

GENERAL CONSTRUCTING
Urbaine de Travaux

PHOTOGRAPHER
Hugo Hébrard

AREA
7200 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Massy, France

CATEGORY
Educational Architecture, Schools

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

English description provided by the architects.

The new Massy secondary school is built on the Vilgénis site, formerly the Air France Aviation Apprenticeship Training Center.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

This 22-hectare site, with its exceptional woodland character, partially listed, provides the school with a green setting in which this major facility must blend as harmoniously as possible.

With a strong commitment to maximising the preservation of these landscaped areas, the project adopts a highly compact form. The building follows the natural slope of the land to avoid the excessive spread of this large-scale programme.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

Adopting a U-shaped design oriented towards the wooded area of the Vilgénis park, the secondary school is organised around its extensively landscaped courtyard.

Resting on a protective base of patterned, stained concrete, the upper floors, built with a wooden structure, feature large glazed surfaces that open up views towards the surrounding woodland.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

This envelope, made of timber-framed walls with bio-based insulation, is fitted with motorised sunshades to provide solar protection.

At the north-eastern edge of the site, two existing buildings are retained. The existing auditorium is carefully restored and integrated into the new building, ensuring accessibility from both inside and outside.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

The former restaurant has been converted to accommodate five staff housing units. The design of the outdoor spaces is driven by the desire to connect users with the site's natural heritage.

This genuine green strategy is built upon the existing landscape framework. Various natural typologies are identified, preserved, and expanded to accommodate different functions, each adapted to its specific environment.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

Six distinctive spaces are thus created: the "forest forecourt," which leads to the school through the classified woodland; the "grass-covered hill," interspersed with pathways and benches; the majestic cedar tree, preserved at the heart of the project and encircled by a unifying ring;

the "suspended clearing," a peaceful area for quiet activities; the "science garden," a true educational tool; and finally, the residential garden, designed as a series of natural "micro-reserves."

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard

By respecting the site's wooded character, the project offers a clear architectural response, providing the future school with a contemporary identity and exceptional environmental performance.

Perceived as a major public facility without being monumental, its horizontal scale ensures a harmonious integration into the surrounding neighbourhood. The school serves as a place of identity and belonging for students, staff, and local residents alike.

Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard


Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard
Claudine Hermann Secondary School
© Hugo Hébrard


Claudine Hermann Secondary School
Plan

Ameller Dubois
T +33 1 53171719
Ameller Dubois
8 Imp. Druinot, 75012 Paris, France