A new secondary school designed by Ameller Dubois has opened in Massy, France, showcasing innovative architectural design that prioritizes environmental preservation while accommodating modern educational needs. The Claudine Hermann Secondary School, completed in 2024, spans 7,200 square meters and serves as a flagship example of how large-scale educational facilities can be thoughtfully integrated into sensitive natural environments.
The school is constructed on the historic Vilgénis site, which previously served as the Air France Aviation Apprenticeship Training Center. This exceptional 22-hectare location features significant woodland character, with portions of the site holding protected status due to their environmental and historical importance. The natural setting provides students and faculty with a unique green campus environment that stands apart from typical urban school locations.
Architectural firm Ameller Dubois, led by Philippe Ameller, approached the design with a strong commitment to maximizing the preservation of existing landscaped areas. The design team, including Grégoire Seidel, Paul Pressensé, Telemaco Galante, Mathieu Ha, Noémie Gendron, and Camille Henry, developed a highly compact building form to minimize the facility's environmental footprint. This strategic approach allows the substantial educational program to blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape.
The building's design philosophy centers on working with the natural topography rather than against it. The structure follows the natural slope of the land, a decision that helps avoid the excessive spread typically associated with large-scale educational programs. This approach not only preserves more of the existing woodland but also creates varied spatial experiences throughout the building as it adapts to the changing elevations of the site.
Construction of the facility was managed by Urbaine de Travaux, with specialized consulting provided by multiple firms including Scoping for MEP services, Inddigo for environmental sustainability, Ligot and CTB for structural engineering, and Cap Horn Solutions for acoustic design. The landscape architecture was handled by WALD, ensuring that the outdoor spaces complement both the building design and the existing natural features of the site.
The school incorporates high-quality materials and finishes from renowned manufacturers including KEIM, Sto, Cipa Gres, Formica, Gerflor, PIERI, POLYREY, Pavigrés, Primus Vitória, Ratheau, Ripolin, and Villeroy & Boch. These material choices reflect a commitment to durability, sustainability, and creating inspiring learning environments that will serve the community for decades to come.
Photographer Hugo Hébrard documented the completed facility, capturing how the contemporary architectural elements integrate seamlessly with the preserved woodland setting. The images reveal a building that respects its historical context while providing state-of-the-art facilities for 21st-century education, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and modern educational requirements can successfully coexist in architectural design.
