Photos: 11h45 & Schnepp Renou
The extensions rest on the flat roofs of wings A and B and connect to the existing lower levels via their structure and vertical circulation cores. They blend seamlessly with the existing building blocks, extending the geometry of the stone-clad pilasters. Set back from the preserved parapets, they offer a light and delicate touch to minimise the impact on the structures of wings A and B. In keeping with the architecture of Prouvé and Coulon, the prefabricated, modular timber structure mirrors the existing grid, contributing to the slenderness of the design. The use on the façade of the same type of pre-weathered timber as that used throughout the campus unifies the interventions and softens the contrasting appearance of the existing façades. Integrated into the architectural heritage of iXcampus and its wooded surroundings, the extensions house a 30-room student residence as well as business incubators.
The roofs, constructed from CLT (cross-laminated timber panels), ensure a lightweight and high-performance structure, whilst adhering to a bio-based approach. The spruce columns and beams, along with the Douglas fir rafters and cladding, enhance the harmony with the surrounding woodland landscape.
This project was carried out whilst the building remained in use, with all lower floors continuing to operate throughout the works, thanks to the use of prefabricated MOB 2D (timber-frame walls) and an optimised on-site assembly process. The timber structure, both robust and elegant, embodies a low-tech and sustainable approach that complements the existing building.
The project makes use of bio-based and reused materials: all the fitted interior joinery is made from reclaimed timber. The supply of reclaimed timber, consisting mainly of tebopin, comes from the dismantling of an exhibition for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The residence, covering an area of approximately 1,000 m², offers 30 rooms (15 per wing), as well as a communal kitchen and dining room, designed to encourage a sense of community and domesticity. Two small, more intimate and cosy lounges are provided, one in each wing, offering spaces for rest and meditation. Two terraces, situated at the east and west ends of the building, extend this peaceful and sensory atmosphere.
The interior design draws inspiration from wabi-sabi, combining understated aesthetics with functionality to create an introspective and soothing environment. The communal circulation is punctuated by thresholds that mark the transition to the private space of the bedroom. These thresholds, conceived as transitional spaces, provide places to hang coats or store shoes, reinforcing the sense of welcome and domestic warmth. Each room, distinguished by varying sizes (S/M/L/XL, from 16 to 28 m²), features bespoke furniture designed as a cohesive ensemble: desk, bed and wardrobe, interconnected to optimise comfort and usability.
The entire project, including the furniture and interior design aspects, was conceived to create a unique experience, where every detail sparks curiosity and encourages conversation, within a setting that is both sensory and unconventional.
