We were appointed in 1992 to design an extension to the existing primary school in Daours, Somme, France.
The concept consisted of a contemporary reflection of the existing building, and by so doing we created a spatially exciting, fabric covered common external entrance. A new reception area and four new flexible classroom spaces and wet areas were provided.
The structural and surface materials are predominently naturally stained coloured wood, which, with clear glass provides a light and emotionally warm environment in which the building acts as a sensual stimulus to both children and staff.
A landscaped canopy to the south helps screen the main teaching areas and provides a covered intermediate zone between the building and the soft landscaped external play garden.
The project was completed in 1994.
A psychological evaluation of the successes and failures of the school was undertaken two years after it was occupied. It was carried out independently by two psychologists and two architects from Germany, and was financially supported by the Ludwig Sievers Foundation in the framework of the project "Technical Communication of architects and lay people".
Psychological Evaluation of the School 1996