Rapin Saiz Architectes
Renovation and extension of a socio-educational institution
best architects 21
education buildings
Place
L’Abbaye, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Joël Tettamanti
Description
The project presents an
extension which, in terms of scale, form and character, maintains the status of
the main building in line with the previous communal hostel. Its presence in
front of the main façade of the former town hall, in the centre of the village
and at the crossroads strengthens the appearance of the central village square.
The signpost, the main entrance and the terrace of the institution have stayed
in the same position, protected from the wind, facing south and visible to
passers-by.
The project proposes a domestic typology, both for the restoration of the
existing building and for its extension. On the ground floor, the dining room
retains its original location in the hostel, open to the square – a welcoming
spot. The collective and private spaces are distributed throughout the building
and coexist in relationships regulated by intermediate spaces in the form of halls
that allow people to disperse. This organisation avoids corridors and offers a
qualitative distribution by means of adjoining living areas. It also provides great
flexibility of use, with the hospitable features and areas expected of an apartment:
a few rooms around a living space. The extension is built in the traditional manner with a double brick wall at
the front and concrete slabs whose formwork bears witness to the ancient wooden
ceilings. The building is designed to meet the requirements of the Minergie Eco
standard.