The school complex, which takes its name from the nearby Loreto Chapel, was built in 1969 and has never been extended since (with the exception of the two pavilions). The five volumes of the complex are distributed around the central courtyard and are structurally united with a large covered entrance perimeter.
In contrast to the brutalist language of the volumes and the façades, the flat roofs and terraced outdoor spaces are softened by a lush vegetation of shrubs and trees.
The urban positioning of the two new volumes respects the organization of the existing buildings and completes the school complex in a sensitive and efficient way. The network of paths as well as the outdoor space of the school complex are completed and strengthened with a few targeted interventions.
The new school wing is positioned on the slope connecting the level of the sports fields and the central courtyard. The building has three levels resting on the slope, which descends towards the sports fields. This volume is created in continuity with the surrounding school buildings and serves as backdrop to the sports fields. The third floor is located at the level of the main courtyard and thus allows a direct connection with the rest of the school buildings. The central internal circulation connects spatially all floors and allows natural light to flow into spaces without direct external exposure. The group rooms are accessible from both the classrooms and the corridor and can be closed off with glazed sliding elements. This also allows a constant visual connection with the outside.
Both the wooden structure and the façade cladding are made of prefabricated elements. This allows a fast and functional construction system, guaranteeing great adaptability for possible future changes.
The modular and flexible floorplan allows for various uses and remains adaptable to future needs. The Minergie-P-ECO standard is guaranteed by the use of wood for the load-bearing structure of the building, good insulation of the external envelope, the use of sustainable materials and the presence of a photovoltaic system on the roof.
In the second volume are housed the spaces for the catering and table service classes. This new building acts as a filter between the public space of the street and the semi-public open space of the school. The new L-shaped building organizes all uses into two independent clusters, each with a staircase. Each teaching unit consists of a kitchen, a theory room and a simulation room and are located one per floor in the south wing.The main volume on three floors houses the school canteen. The top floor accommodates the recreation rooms with direct access to the roof terrace. All these spaces enjoy triple orientation and expended natural lighting conditions.
