Naturally, in harmony with nature above all.

Naturally, with respect for the surrounding urbanism.

Naturally, on a scale adapted to users.

Naturally, in search of public and semi-public spaces.

Naturally, focused on sustainable development and ecology.

Naturally… with local oak wood.

Urbanism NATURELLE is a versatile project that seeks to revitalize an area formerly occupied by industry and harmonize with the existing environment by building new spatial relationships. The large-scale residential developments nearby represent a complex and challenging neighborhood from an urban planning perspective. Thus, the proposal for the semi-school group Le Foron focused on seeking a dialogue between building scales, while clearly and firmly opting for low and terraced construction.
The simple yet sculpted form of the building is the result of two main axes: one following the Voie Verte, along which the gymnasium is located, and the other parallel to the facade of the new residential district, which structures the main space of the school and gives a rectangular geometry to the building’s elevation.
To the south, the building’s form extends diagonally, providing pedestrian access to the residential complex, and its lower part integrates into the path extension. This is a deliberate way to stop passersby and invite them inside. There, under a large covered structure, is the main entrance on a terrace. The upper part is set back and aligns with the neighboring building, creating an urban synergy.
The neighborhood path, guided downward by the oblique form of the ground floor, gently slopes and leads to the Foron path between old trees, forming a natural gateway. On the street side, potential users of the building are guided inside.
NATURELLE seeks similar connections in its northern part. The generous terrace on the top floor, partially covered by a canopy, dialogues with the shape of the neighboring residential complex. But above all, from a human-height perspective, the school fully integrates into its environment. Thanks to the significant setback of the second floor and the exterior stairs inviting to the first-floor terrace, the building appears low, blending into the landscape, and integrating with the terrain’s form.
Green Spaces
The landscape concept relies on the contrast between the disciplined geometric form of the school building and the soft, irregular layout of the garden as well as play and educational spaces for children and residents.
The two main terraces, serving as courtyards (open/covered), extend the recreational and educational spaces inside the building. From an urban planning perspective, they connect the school building to the surrounding greenery, both existing and planned. Each of these green and lively platforms is a distinct microcosm.
To the south, an area for the youngest children has been planned with a sensory garden: irregularly shaped plots covered with different surfaces, from small pebbles to large stones. There will also be raspberry, and blueberry bushes, possibly a group of blackberries and wild strawberries. Right next to it, is a small meadow filled with chamomile and poppies depending on the season. There will also be a grassy corner and a welcoming wooden terrace where one can relax on a sunny day. For the more active, an irregularly shaped trampoline with a downward view is located above the building’s covered entrance. No one will be bored.
The “north” terrace enjoys prolonged sunlight, even in autumn and winter, thanks to its large area and location on the top floor. It is a very rich space ecologically and educationally. With the same idea of soft lines, plots with varied vegetation have been arranged: flowering meadows, fruit bushes, a vegetable garden, and a small cereal field. A small hill covered with wild roses and quince, whose fruits ripen in autumn and can be used for culinary and educational activities, has also been integrated. The whole is complemented by a beekeeping area with several colorful beehives, as well as bird feeders. For games and activities requiring a flat surface, a large wooden platform, partially shaded, is planned.
The green spaces surrounding the building are more open and designed as public spaces accessible to neighborhood residents. However, an exception is found in the north, along the Voie Verte. A sector has been arranged there for students only, allowing them to play safely and explore an orchard consisting of plum, pear, apple, and apricot trees. The sports field is bordered by a massive wooden bench, similar to those in the nearby park. This long seat is an ideal place to watch games and for recreation. Behind the bench is a wooden terrace overlooking the gymnasium. The area reserved for students is fenced and connected to the exterior stairs leading to the southern terrace.
The landscaping of shared public spaces stands out with a highly varied composition of plants and trees, promoting the creation of diverse zones in terms of sunlight, biodiversity, and use. In the north and south, two small birch groves have been arranged. One of them houses a light structure for bicycles, with an organic and irregular shape. Wooden games have been integrated between the trunks. A path, covered with fine gravel, connects the two birch groves. It is bordered by Virginian sumac with vibrant autumn colors. The main entrance of the building is highlighted by heather vegetation, gently covering the slight slope of the terrain.

Program The functional scheme is designed to be an efficient machine operating under all conditions: during classes, afternoon activities, neighborhood parties, or local events.
Each floor is organized around a central hall, serving as a meeting space, and leisure area, with open views, connections with nature, and exterior terraces. The spacious recreation halls are connected by an open staircase topped with a skylight. The atmosphere is lively during the day and becomes peaceful in the evening once school activities are over.
On the ground floor, most of the public functions and those used outside school hours are grouped, except for the gymnasium, located in the basement but visually connected to the ground floor thanks to large windows. A movable glass wall allows, on certain occasions, the hall and the school restaurant to transform into an unusual gallery overlooking the gymnasium.
The community hall is also located on the same level and extends outside the main structure of the building, like a drawer welcoming residents strolling nearby.
Two ground-level accesses are designed: the main entrance offers a quick connection to all the school’s functions and public spaces, while a secondary entrance to the west is more related to the gymnasium and the spaces located in the basement, such as rooms for music groups requiring specific acoustic conditions.
The first floor is the largest in terms of area and houses spaces for the youngest students, a medical-educational center, and a book workshop that opens onto the recreation hall and is an extension of it. Exterior stairs allow a quick connection with outdoor spaces.
The second level accommodates the classes for older children. Although this area is the smallest in terms of surface area, it paradoxically has the largest educational space, thanks to a large sunny terrace. Ah, if only we could be 10 years old again!

Sustainability The project firmly commits to sustainable development, integrating ecological practices at every stage of the design. Part of the basement has been designed with reduced depth to limit the amount of earth and excavation depth. This choice minimizes the impact on the existing terrain. For the basement, recycled concrete will be used to reduce the carbon footprint, while adopting responsible transport logistics to decrease CO2 emissions.
The upper floors, including the ground floor and the floors, are planned to be constructed using recyclable materials, with a particular emphasis on local pine wood, thus promoting waste reduction and environmental preservation.
To promote natural ventilation and lighting, the architectural design will maximize daylight use through numerous windows. This will enable cross-ventilation for optimal comfort without resorting to air conditioning. Additionally, a large central skylight above the staircase will bring natural light into the building’s heart, reducing electricity consumption. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof to generate clean solar energy, contributing to the project’s eco-responsible approach.
The project thus strives to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly environment for future generations. The roofs and terraces of the building will be extensively greened, promoting rainwater retention. The excess rainwater will be collected in a reservoir and reused for the school’s garden irrigation.