Rehab of Montpellier architecture school
Basic information
Project Title
Rehab of Montpellier architecture school
Full project title
Thermic and architectural renovation of the architecture school of Montpellier
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The iconic Mediterranean architecture school of Montpellier has evolved to meet changing needs. Embracing an ecological transition is now a priority, making the renovation project a symbol of responsible architecture and a teaching tool. The challenge lies in finding a balanced approach that respects the building's heritage while guiding it toward an eco-friendly transformation by using new processes and materials.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
France
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Designed by architects Edouard Gallix, Michel Rueg, Luc Doumenc, and Jean Leccia in the 70s, this iconic Mediterranean architectural landmark, as we know it today, has evolved through successive transformations, allowing this emblematic building to persist in its cultural richness while adapting to the ever-changing functional and technical requirements.
Over the course of evolving needs, the original architecture has undergone numerous modifications that have significantly impacted its overall appearance. While all these changes were necessary, some have been harmonious and respectful of the original design, while others have not. As the ecological transition takes center stage in contemporary discourse, it is now clear that it is a priority not only in architecture but also in other societal realms. To achieve the objectives of -40% or -60% energy consumption, it is necessary to combine actions on the main building's envelope, which is the oldest, with actions on technical equipment to enhance energy production performance and integrate renewable energy sources.
This necessity resonates even more strongly when it concerns an architectural education institution that is shaping the new generations of young architects for whom environmentally responsible construction is not just an option but the only viable path. Therefore, this transformation must symbolize and succeed in this shift toward inseparable ecological and cultural principles. This project must set an example, becoming a real-life case study that can be incorporated into the teaching methods in collaboration with the project management team.
The entire challenge of this thermal renovation project lies in finding a balanced and judicious blend of ecological, thermal, cultural, and heritage aspects. The intervention is delicate, and this precisely defines the challenge of this operation: respecting the building without turning it into a museum and intelligently guiding it toward an ecological transition.
Over the course of evolving needs, the original architecture has undergone numerous modifications that have significantly impacted its overall appearance. While all these changes were necessary, some have been harmonious and respectful of the original design, while others have not. As the ecological transition takes center stage in contemporary discourse, it is now clear that it is a priority not only in architecture but also in other societal realms. To achieve the objectives of -40% or -60% energy consumption, it is necessary to combine actions on the main building's envelope, which is the oldest, with actions on technical equipment to enhance energy production performance and integrate renewable energy sources.
This necessity resonates even more strongly when it concerns an architectural education institution that is shaping the new generations of young architects for whom environmentally responsible construction is not just an option but the only viable path. Therefore, this transformation must symbolize and succeed in this shift toward inseparable ecological and cultural principles. This project must set an example, becoming a real-life case study that can be incorporated into the teaching methods in collaboration with the project management team.
The entire challenge of this thermal renovation project lies in finding a balanced and judicious blend of ecological, thermal, cultural, and heritage aspects. The intervention is delicate, and this precisely defines the challenge of this operation: respecting the building without turning it into a museum and intelligently guiding it toward an ecological transition.
Key objectives for sustainability
Put energy where it is most useful and beneficial to achieve a goal of:
«a minimum reduction of 60% in final energy consumption, a reduction of 736 421 kWhEF/year in energy consumption and 131 572 kgeqCO2/year in greenhouse gas emissions».
To adapt the energy consumption with the seasons, two major scenarios are implemented: summer and winter.
The school consists of two large double height halls, composed by circulations that give access to enclosed premises. In winter, the halls, corridors, and other vertical circulations are too large spaces to be heated while respecting the energy ambitions of the program. Only the enclosed premises (offices, classrooms, library) are heated by fan coil units.
Transfers of hot air are carried out from the enclosed premises (thermally controlled) to temper the circulation spaces.
In summer, the focus is on night over-ventilation favoring thermal discharge related to the solar contributions of the day by over-ventilation openings. The classrooms and corridors are equipped with ceiling fans.
A work on the envelope is also carried out, to guarantee the acrues thermal performances: Curtain walls and glazing more efficient, solar protections adapted to the orientation, thermal insulation of heated and cooled rooms and reinforced insulation of roofs.
The project incorporates a reversible heat pump, powered by a gas/electricity mix. It optimizes energy consumption by substituting nearly 60% of gas consumption by about 2.5 times less electric kWh, while largely decarbonizing energy consumption.
Finally, solar panels are installed on the roof to provide green energy for the building.
«a minimum reduction of 60% in final energy consumption, a reduction of 736 421 kWhEF/year in energy consumption and 131 572 kgeqCO2/year in greenhouse gas emissions».
To adapt the energy consumption with the seasons, two major scenarios are implemented: summer and winter.
The school consists of two large double height halls, composed by circulations that give access to enclosed premises. In winter, the halls, corridors, and other vertical circulations are too large spaces to be heated while respecting the energy ambitions of the program. Only the enclosed premises (offices, classrooms, library) are heated by fan coil units.
Transfers of hot air are carried out from the enclosed premises (thermally controlled) to temper the circulation spaces.
In summer, the focus is on night over-ventilation favoring thermal discharge related to the solar contributions of the day by over-ventilation openings. The classrooms and corridors are equipped with ceiling fans.
A work on the envelope is also carried out, to guarantee the acrues thermal performances: Curtain walls and glazing more efficient, solar protections adapted to the orientation, thermal insulation of heated and cooled rooms and reinforced insulation of roofs.
The project incorporates a reversible heat pump, powered by a gas/electricity mix. It optimizes energy consumption by substituting nearly 60% of gas consumption by about 2.5 times less electric kWh, while largely decarbonizing energy consumption.
Finally, solar panels are installed on the roof to provide green energy for the building.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Energy renovation of a building labeled remarkable architectural heritage of the XX century: A renovation of such a scale, could not be confined to the only energy response. The question of energy savings must also allow an architectural renovation that is both parsimonious and profound to restore certain strong elements, now hidden under previous interventions on the original building.
To regain the readability of the architectural state closest to its appearance when delivered in the 1970s, the rehabilitation of facades, concrete and curtain walls was necessary.
As part of our project, we reinterpret the existing architectural composition with a choice of more contemporary materials. For this the characteristic vertical grid of this building is preserved. It guides the design of the natural ventilation of the premises. Indeed, these interstitial spaces between vaults allow us to install mini openings of ventilation also used as night over-ventilation. In addition, these same spaces allow to hide the heating networks.
The shade of these curtain walls is dark to contrast with that of concrete. One allows the other to assert itself. This contrast gives rise to the readability of the envelope and the structure.
Double glazing «IMMOBLADE» with integrated fixed mini blinds designed by a Toulouse start-up are set up. The blinds are angled to optimize the sun protection of the premises. This inclination is calculated specifically for each elevation orientation of the building according to its precise geographical location.
This system requires no manipulation, no electrical connection and ensures its role of classic glazing and sun protection without adding elements to the facades.
Finally, the various corked concrete matrices are restored, to restore their original beauty.
To regain the readability of the architectural state closest to its appearance when delivered in the 1970s, the rehabilitation of facades, concrete and curtain walls was necessary.
As part of our project, we reinterpret the existing architectural composition with a choice of more contemporary materials. For this the characteristic vertical grid of this building is preserved. It guides the design of the natural ventilation of the premises. Indeed, these interstitial spaces between vaults allow us to install mini openings of ventilation also used as night over-ventilation. In addition, these same spaces allow to hide the heating networks.
The shade of these curtain walls is dark to contrast with that of concrete. One allows the other to assert itself. This contrast gives rise to the readability of the envelope and the structure.
Double glazing «IMMOBLADE» with integrated fixed mini blinds designed by a Toulouse start-up are set up. The blinds are angled to optimize the sun protection of the premises. This inclination is calculated specifically for each elevation orientation of the building according to its precise geographical location.
This system requires no manipulation, no electrical connection and ensures its role of classic glazing and sun protection without adding elements to the facades.
Finally, the various corked concrete matrices are restored, to restore their original beauty.
Key objectives for inclusion
The Montpellier School of Architecture underwent a phase of work on the accessibility of people with reduced mobility in the 2010s.
The project does not address this issue. The project aims to demonstrate that in a competition procedure, with a limited budget and deadlines, it is possible to achieve an innovative and educational response adapted to the current environmental and societal challenges.
This was made possible by the inclusion of users in all the different stages of the project: from design, through the construction site, to maintenance.
During the busy site work, it was necessary to work with the students, teachers, and administrative staff so that the construction site did not interfere with the life of the school and vice versa.
Finally, users have been included in the management of the building and the various devices put in place to manage their comfort together with energy savings: «Project in which everyone is an actor whose system is supportive. »
Moreover, the actors of the project development, as well as the actors of the rehabilitation of the school of Architecture are chosen for their geographical situation. Indeed, all these companies are located in the Occitanie Region, thus promoting a local economy and not delocalizable. This approach favours short circuits. For example, new generations of glazing incorporating sun protection are developed and produced in the Occitanie Region.
The companies carrying out the project were selected from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to maintain a vibrant and dynamic local economic fabric.
Finally, a reuse process has been put in place to recycle the old materials deposited as part of a new architectural project. For this several equipment, materials were donated to a recycling company.
The project does not address this issue. The project aims to demonstrate that in a competition procedure, with a limited budget and deadlines, it is possible to achieve an innovative and educational response adapted to the current environmental and societal challenges.
This was made possible by the inclusion of users in all the different stages of the project: from design, through the construction site, to maintenance.
During the busy site work, it was necessary to work with the students, teachers, and administrative staff so that the construction site did not interfere with the life of the school and vice versa.
Finally, users have been included in the management of the building and the various devices put in place to manage their comfort together with energy savings: «Project in which everyone is an actor whose system is supportive. »
Moreover, the actors of the project development, as well as the actors of the rehabilitation of the school of Architecture are chosen for their geographical situation. Indeed, all these companies are located in the Occitanie Region, thus promoting a local economy and not delocalizable. This approach favours short circuits. For example, new generations of glazing incorporating sun protection are developed and produced in the Occitanie Region.
The companies carrying out the project were selected from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to maintain a vibrant and dynamic local economic fabric.
Finally, a reuse process has been put in place to recycle the old materials deposited as part of a new architectural project. For this several equipment, materials were donated to a recycling company.
Results in relation to category
Regaining a sense of belonging, a link with the original building, rediscover its essence.
From an architectural point of view, the interventions targeted by the renovation of the original building of the School of Architecture of Montpellier have revealed its essence, buried under the successive layers of modifications over the various extensions.
The dialogue was restored between the concrete structure and the metal facades, between the interior and exterior of the building and more broadly between the school and the landscape.
Therefore, a reconnection with the place was made to evoke a strong cultural link with the space by rediscovering the identity of the building through its contemporary renovation. The building establishes a connection with its users, establishing dialogue and interactions necessary for the proper functioning of the school.
In terms of energy, the first results make optimistic about the future energy management of the school. The performance exceeds the levels expected by the client and goes beyond those set by Europe by 2030. The school should have a bright future ahead of it. The project management team also has a two-year support mission, to ensure the maintenance and refinement of equipment related to the renovation.
From an architectural point of view, the interventions targeted by the renovation of the original building of the School of Architecture of Montpellier have revealed its essence, buried under the successive layers of modifications over the various extensions.
The dialogue was restored between the concrete structure and the metal facades, between the interior and exterior of the building and more broadly between the school and the landscape.
Therefore, a reconnection with the place was made to evoke a strong cultural link with the space by rediscovering the identity of the building through its contemporary renovation. The building establishes a connection with its users, establishing dialogue and interactions necessary for the proper functioning of the school.
In terms of energy, the first results make optimistic about the future energy management of the school. The performance exceeds the levels expected by the client and goes beyond those set by Europe by 2030. The school should have a bright future ahead of it. The project management team also has a two-year support mission, to ensure the maintenance and refinement of equipment related to the renovation.
How Citizens benefit
Users actively participate in controlling energy consumption and therefore in energy savings.
To achieve the energy saving goals, it is necessary to introduce students, teachers, and administrative staff to new ways of interacting with the building and its envelope.
For this, two user manuals have been produced: for the management of premises and spaces related to teaching and administrative premises. They present the different scenarios of operation and management of the systems implemented: systems on ventilation, principle of control of the temperature of the premises or the commissioning of the ceiling fans. These elements are used differently depending on the season, to find the balance between user comfort and energy savings.
To achieve the energy saving goals, it is necessary to introduce students, teachers, and administrative staff to new ways of interacting with the building and its envelope.
For this, two user manuals have been produced: for the management of premises and spaces related to teaching and administrative premises. They present the different scenarios of operation and management of the systems implemented: systems on ventilation, principle of control of the temperature of the premises or the commissioning of the ceiling fans. These elements are used differently depending on the season, to find the balance between user comfort and energy savings.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
To appreciate the innovative nature of the chosen solution, it is important to consider the usual solutions put in place to address the issues of comfort, hygiene, and control of energy consumption in 2023.
The active façade solution implemented on the project offers a different approach. Indeed, the objective is to integrate in the facade the functions of insulation, air treatment, heating and cooling and sun protection.
The initial façade, which included glazing elements and radiators, was modified, and completed:
- Radiators are replaced by fan coils to combine heating, cooling, and air treatment functions
- The glazing, according to their orientation, includes mini blinds to control solar contributions
- The mullions between vaults are equipped with "flap", small opening protected by a grid, allowing natural ventilation and night ventilation.
The active façade is innovative in two points:
- It incorporates an innovative IMMOBLADE glazing system that allows the control of sunrays over the entire year,
- It concentrates several functions in one element and reduces the carbon impact of the whole.
IMMOBLADE is a French start-up (Toulouse), specialized in passive sun protection glazing, efficient all year round and without maintenance.
The glazing incorporates Mini blinds: the miniaturized blind blades, optimally inclined, are directly integrated into a double glazing. The geometry of the blades optimizes sun protection with maximum visibility from inside the building.
Thus, fruit of the iterative reflection of the project management to find the point of balance of all the stakes of the project, the active facade allows the building to change century.
The active façade solution implemented on the project offers a different approach. Indeed, the objective is to integrate in the facade the functions of insulation, air treatment, heating and cooling and sun protection.
The initial façade, which included glazing elements and radiators, was modified, and completed:
- Radiators are replaced by fan coils to combine heating, cooling, and air treatment functions
- The glazing, according to their orientation, includes mini blinds to control solar contributions
- The mullions between vaults are equipped with "flap", small opening protected by a grid, allowing natural ventilation and night ventilation.
The active façade is innovative in two points:
- It incorporates an innovative IMMOBLADE glazing system that allows the control of sunrays over the entire year,
- It concentrates several functions in one element and reduces the carbon impact of the whole.
IMMOBLADE is a French start-up (Toulouse), specialized in passive sun protection glazing, efficient all year round and without maintenance.
The glazing incorporates Mini blinds: the miniaturized blind blades, optimally inclined, are directly integrated into a double glazing. The geometry of the blades optimizes sun protection with maximum visibility from inside the building.
Thus, fruit of the iterative reflection of the project management to find the point of balance of all the stakes of the project, the active facade allows the building to change century.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Several disciplines were brought to collaborate as part of the renovation of the school of architecture of Montpellier.
The various design offices, the general contractor and the architect have pooled their knowledge and varied knowledge to offer an innovative solution related to the issues of the order.
A collaboration with the project owner and users was also created. As the project progressed, some aspects of the project were highlighted by the latter. This exchange between the project management team and the users made it possible to refine the project and integrate it more into its context.
The various design offices, the general contractor and the architect have pooled their knowledge and varied knowledge to offer an innovative solution related to the issues of the order.
A collaboration with the project owner and users was also created. As the project progressed, some aspects of the project were highlighted by the latter. This exchange between the project management team and the users made it possible to refine the project and integrate it more into its context.
Methodology used
It is important for the school of architecture to be a symbol and success of the transformation towards ecological and cultural principles.
The challenge of this energy renovation project lies in the balanced and judicious mix of ecological, thermal, but also cultural and heritage aspects.
The intervention is delicate, and this is precisely what makes the whole issue of this operation: respect without museumising it and intelligently accompany the building towards its ecological transition.
To achieve this, the design-realization group has set up a specific working methodology for this project.
For this we have defined this project according to 3 fields of work:
- The theme of energy renovation: achieving energy sobriety, decarbonizing energy systems, getting out of fossil fuels, promoting self-consumption, limiting HFC fluids, perpetuate and or replace technical facilities and integrate local technical innovations.
- The theme of architectural/heritage renovation: renovate a built heritage labeled remarkable heritage of the XX century, reaffirm an architectural identity lost over time, find the essence of the initial project, rehabilitate the degraded architectural heritage, affirm the constructive logic of «all concrete», respect the existing architecture, without museumising it, and integrate technical innovations.
- The theme of user health and comfort: creating compatible COVID premises, managing ventilation, solar contributions, etc.
These three themes are the foundation and genesis of the architectural and technical response of this project.
A methodology by reiteration around these three themes was used. Thus, each solution implemented as part of this renovation project responds and gives meaning to the three themes.
The challenge of this energy renovation project lies in the balanced and judicious mix of ecological, thermal, but also cultural and heritage aspects.
The intervention is delicate, and this is precisely what makes the whole issue of this operation: respect without museumising it and intelligently accompany the building towards its ecological transition.
To achieve this, the design-realization group has set up a specific working methodology for this project.
For this we have defined this project according to 3 fields of work:
- The theme of energy renovation: achieving energy sobriety, decarbonizing energy systems, getting out of fossil fuels, promoting self-consumption, limiting HFC fluids, perpetuate and or replace technical facilities and integrate local technical innovations.
- The theme of architectural/heritage renovation: renovate a built heritage labeled remarkable heritage of the XX century, reaffirm an architectural identity lost over time, find the essence of the initial project, rehabilitate the degraded architectural heritage, affirm the constructive logic of «all concrete», respect the existing architecture, without museumising it, and integrate technical innovations.
- The theme of user health and comfort: creating compatible COVID premises, managing ventilation, solar contributions, etc.
These three themes are the foundation and genesis of the architectural and technical response of this project.
A methodology by reiteration around these three themes was used. Thus, each solution implemented as part of this renovation project responds and gives meaning to the three themes.
How stakeholders are engaged
National:
At the end of 2021, a renovation competition was launched by the French Ministry of Culture in charge of architectural schools to renovate the original ENSAM building dating from 1970: building C.
This competition made it possible to respond to the call for tenders for the «Recovery Plan» of the French state. In view of the program requiring a technical and precise design, a design-build contract was established. The French Ministry of Culture, the Occitanie Region (contract plan State-Region), participated in the financing of the project.
Regional/Local:
The ARAC (Montpellier), delegated contracting authority, led, coordinated the studies and the execution of the works.
The project management teams and companies are all located in the Occitanie region.
The general contractor EGM (Montpellier) is the representative of the project management group. The project management team is composed of:
The architect Maignial Architectes & Associés (Montpellier), the fluid design office BETSO (Montpellier), the structural design office Terrel (Toulouse) and the asbestos design office Ambiente (Toulouse).
This 100% Occitan team worked together to carry out the renovation of the architecture school of Montpellier.
7 companies, all from the south of France, have concretized the project.
At the end of 2021, a renovation competition was launched by the French Ministry of Culture in charge of architectural schools to renovate the original ENSAM building dating from 1970: building C.
This competition made it possible to respond to the call for tenders for the «Recovery Plan» of the French state. In view of the program requiring a technical and precise design, a design-build contract was established. The French Ministry of Culture, the Occitanie Region (contract plan State-Region), participated in the financing of the project.
Regional/Local:
The ARAC (Montpellier), delegated contracting authority, led, coordinated the studies and the execution of the works.
The project management teams and companies are all located in the Occitanie region.
The general contractor EGM (Montpellier) is the representative of the project management group. The project management team is composed of:
The architect Maignial Architectes & Associés (Montpellier), the fluid design office BETSO (Montpellier), the structural design office Terrel (Toulouse) and the asbestos design office Ambiente (Toulouse).
This 100% Occitan team worked together to carry out the renovation of the architecture school of Montpellier.
7 companies, all from the south of France, have concretized the project.
Global challenges
Architecture between the 1950s and 1970s were strongly influenced by the brutalist style of the modern movement. Many of these buildings are now restored and recognized for the quality of their design and construction. In addition, the climatic conditions between the 1970s and 2023 were disrupted, making these fabulous buildings very energy-intensive and poorly adapted to climate change.
This project is a unique opportunity for the School of Architecture of Montpellier to restore and enhance its architectural and cultural heritage while responding to current ecological issues.
The project therefore responds locally to global needs and objectives:
- Achieve energy sobriety
- Decarbonizing energy systems
- Getting out of fossil fuels
- Promote auto-consumption
- Limit HFC fluids,
- Integrate local technical innovations to reduce energy needs
For this purpose, the project proposed by the group meets in all respects the architectural program as well as the energy and environmental objectives defined by the client, and even exceeds them in particular for greenhouse gas emissions (EGES). Our project proposes a 72% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to European commitments of -55% in 2030.
Seize this opportunity of energy renovation to strongly reaffirm what must be the restoration of an architecture school and thus offer future generations of students in architecture, a great source of inspiration.
After the global COVID pandemic, user comfort was a major issue guiding the architectural choices of the project management team: natural and hygienic ventilation of the premises, access to quality natural light, visual comfort, etc.
This project is a unique opportunity for the School of Architecture of Montpellier to restore and enhance its architectural and cultural heritage while responding to current ecological issues.
The project therefore responds locally to global needs and objectives:
- Achieve energy sobriety
- Decarbonizing energy systems
- Getting out of fossil fuels
- Promote auto-consumption
- Limit HFC fluids,
- Integrate local technical innovations to reduce energy needs
For this purpose, the project proposed by the group meets in all respects the architectural program as well as the energy and environmental objectives defined by the client, and even exceeds them in particular for greenhouse gas emissions (EGES). Our project proposes a 72% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to European commitments of -55% in 2030.
Seize this opportunity of energy renovation to strongly reaffirm what must be the restoration of an architecture school and thus offer future generations of students in architecture, a great source of inspiration.
After the global COVID pandemic, user comfort was a major issue guiding the architectural choices of the project management team: natural and hygienic ventilation of the premises, access to quality natural light, visual comfort, etc.
Learning transferred to other parties
It is obvious that these technical solutions implemented are specific responses to the climatic conditions of southern France. But the methodology implemented and used can be disseminated, and reproduced on buildings, similar operations. The same applies to the technical solutions implemented.
The sustainable development aspect seems to be a reproducible component of the project.
Combining a multidisciplinary approach and implementing sober and innovative technical means, the project aims to be sustainable.
The sustainable development aspect seems to be a reproducible component of the project.
Combining a multidisciplinary approach and implementing sober and innovative technical means, the project aims to be sustainable.
Keywords
Energy sobriety
Rehabilitation
Heritage
Innovation
Education
