First Prize – Second Place in the Competition for the Saint-Aubin School Site
Our project La ligne des toits has been awarded first prize and second place in the competition for the creation of the new Saint-Aubin school site. The site is defined by the strong presence of emblematic buildings such as the church, the castle, and historic farm structures. In response, the project adopts a restrained and carefully balanced approach that continues the character of the village fabric.
The school unfolds as a low building volume organized around a central courtyard. This layout allows for the full integration of the existing Ferme, forming a coherent and unifying architectural ensemble.
A subtle integration into the built environment
The building is delicately woven into the village:
– alignment to the south with the Ferme,
– reduced height to the north to preserve views and the surrounding landscape,
– a central covered area acting as the heart of the site and the junction for all accesses.
The project extends the dynamic of the new village square, offering a smooth and intuitive transition between public and school spaces through a sequence of thresholds and open areas.
Access points are clearly structured, flows are evenly distributed, and circulation areas are filled with natural light. The entire ensemble is shaped by a sober, mineral architecture highlighted by a pitched roof. This architectural expression defines the identity of the complex and blends harmoniously into the village landscape.
The modular structure offers flexibility and future adaptability. The phasing strategy—designed to minimize on-site interventions—allows all school activities to continue during construction, thanks to temporary pavilions and a progressive organization of the works.
Wood, compacted earth, and mineral components root the project in local building traditions while providing warm and durable spaces."
Client: Municipality of Saint-Aubin
Architecture: Itten+Brechbühl SA
Visualisations: Imagine we create
