Located in Mont-sur-Lausanne, the Collège du Mottier is a primary and secondary education facility. The school comprises numerous irregularly arranged cubic buildings that form an architectural entity in its own right. Building B was originally constructed in 1977 by the architect Frédéric Brugger, a co-founder of CCHE. The aim of the project is to increase the site's capacity and modernize the building to meet current standards in terms of energy performance, user comfort, fire safety, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and general safety.
Rather than demolish and rebuild, it was decided to raise the building by two levels, a solution that was both economical and environmentally friendly as it allowed considerable savings in terms of materials. In addition, the original structure offered sufficient flexibility for conversion.
The decision to raise the building was made on the basis of the modularity of the original structure, designed according to the CROCS (Centre de Rationalisation et d'Organisation des Constructions Scolaires) principle, a model developed in the 1960s and 1970s. This design is based on a metal framework, mixed floors (ribbed sheet metal and concrete) and non-load-bearing partitions. Even 50 years after the initial construction, these factors offer great adaptability.
The building has a square floor plan with a two-level patio, providing generous natural lighting for the classrooms and a smooth flow of traffic. The central areas include the teachers' lounge (illuminated with skylights) and the auditorium which can accommodate up to 250 people (scheduled to open in 2025).
Year
2024
Developed by
CCHE Lausanne SA
Client
Commune of Mont-sur-Lausanne
Typology
Transformation
Raising
Program
22 classrooms, science, visual arts and crafts rooms, offices, secretariat
Auditorium for 250 people
Floor area (GFA)
6'978 m²
Volume (SIA)
26'993 m³
Collaboration
General contractors:
EDIFEA
SIEMENS
Facade in sheet metal, punctuated by various folds
Exposed structural elements
Building B is now home to 22 classrooms and a number of specialized areas, such as science, visual arts, IT and craft workshops. The building also includes offices for the principal, deans, and secretariat, as well as a resource area comprising a mediation and school guidance center and an infirmary.
The materials chosen aim to create a harmonious, contemporary atmosphere conducive to teaching: wood wool ceiling panels, oak doors, OSB furniture with a white glaze finish, and monochrome linoleum flooring.
In the circulation areas, the building's metal framework remains visible, and is covered in white intumescent paint that helps to create a calm, uncluttered atmosphere.
Circulation areas
Classroom with integrated furniture
The signage at Collège du Mottier B was designed and made to measure by CCHE. Each element has been designed to ensure intuitive orientation throughout the building, while blending harmoniously with the overall project aesthetics.
This approach ensures perfect legibility while reinforcing the building's visual identity, while simultaneously contributing to a fluid user experience tailored to individual needs.
Privatization of space and glazing covered with a sandblasted film
Signage with stainless steel elements
Building facades
Building sections
