Located in the heart of the Croix Bonnet neighborhood in Bois d’Arcy, the project occupies two adjacent plots totaling 15,670 m², crossed diagonally by the Passage du Puits à Loup, a pathway reserved for soft mobility. This central axis is preserved and enhanced in the design, connecting the village square and parking areas to the northwest with the sports facilities, gymnasium, and its forecourt to the southeast. The gymnasium, subtly rotated, creates a porous, welcoming "gondola head" effect with its fully glazed ground floor, inviting interaction and visibility.
The project draws inspiration from the bucolic atmosphere of the Passage du Puits à Loup, proposing a building that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Designed as a lightweight roof structure, the gymnasium rests on slender wooden columns and features a fully glazed facade, evoking a natural, soft mass. The use of thatch—a living, warm, and rustic material—complements the structural wood, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable traditions.
Inside, the sports hall is an elegant wooden cocoon, suspended above a continuous glass ribbon. The simple volume and warm structure create an inviting, uncluttered space, where natural light and materials take center stage.
The gymnasium’s monolithic volume is softened by its thatched cladding, which adds texture and lightness, harmonizing with the picturesque, natural character of the Passage du Puits à Loup. The building’s subtle rotation guides visitors naturally: during weekdays, parents are directed toward the leisure center, while on weekends, residents access the sports facilities. This rotation also creates a forecourt for the gymnasium’s entrance. With a usable area of 1,001 m² and a gross floor area of 945 m², the sports hall opens on three sides at ground level, animating the intersection of Rue Simone Signoret and Avenue Ingrid Bergman. The entrance and clubhouse to the east create a dynamic connection with the forecourt, while functional spaces like changing rooms and restrooms are grouped to the south. A mezzanine houses technical rooms, and the sports area is strategically placed between the leisure center and gymnasium, ensuring smooth access through two simple gates.
The parking areas are divided into two pockets to minimize their visual impact. Landscaping reinforces the perspective of the Passage du Puits à Loup, with vegetation and the parallel village square creating a series of clearings that expand the green corridor. Pedestrian pathways are multiplied, offering diverse experiences of the site. The school courtyards are designed around the theme of nature, transforming plants, vegetation, and water circuits into playful, educational elements. Ground markings and topography create varied discovery zones, encouraging exploration and connection with the natural environment.
