Mont-Cenis Academy

Jourda & Perraudin Architects

Built over a disused coalmine site, this educational institution consists of a complex of buildings, including on-site accommodation for over 200 students.

The unique feature of the academy is its full enclosure by a glass envelope, 176 m long x 72 m wide and 15 m high. A post-and-beam timber structure set out on a 12 m x 12 m grid supports the envelope. Even though the column spacing is a respectable 12 m, because of the size of the building, the 56 columns give the impression of a small forest. Continuous glue-laminated timber trusses span transversely over pin-jointed tree-trunk internal columns. Timber truss mullions 15 m high transfer wind load to a steel rod braced roof diaphragm. The most challenging aspect of the design appears to have been controlling thermal gain to ensure the interior microclimate remains habitable. Photogalvanic cell ‘clouds’, trees, water features and forced air ventilation, combined with shading from the timber structure, control internal temperatures. The commitment to timber and, in particular, use of tree trunks reflect the seriousness with which ecological issues are treated. Given the former use of the site, environmental considerations were an important part of the design concept.

Location:

Herne, Germany