Chimilin Connecté

Project idea

The project is formally located in Chimilin, Commune in Isère, France. "Chimilin Connecté" focuses on connecting the two existing buildings, creating both physical and social cohesion and integration. The main objectives of this intervention are twofold: on one hand, addressing the needs of local associations through renovated spaces and functional proposals; and on the other, catering to the largest demographic group—children—with areas designed to encourage their participation and learning.

This duality is materialized in a design that combines interior renovations with the creation of new communal spaces, aiming not only to enhance the experience of current users but also to attract more visitors.

Project description

Within the main existing building, multifunctional spaces were proposed, primarily catering to local associations, children, and visitors. These new programmatic interventions include: an administrative area, a multipurpose hall, a meeting room, a cafeteria, and a gallery. The design strategy prioritizes spatial flexibility, ensuring these areas serve as a potential new social hub for tourists while maintaining functionality for daily operations.

The connecting element was conceptually articulated through a dune-inspired form, which houses a leisure area designed for gatherings, relaxation, reading, and other communal activities. This organic intervention not only enhances circulation but also establishes a strong visual identity, fostering a sense of place.

Lastly, the smaller existing structure—originally functioning as a storage facility—was reprogrammed as a bar, directly linked to the dune-shaped connector. This adaptive reuse not only revitalizes an underutilized space but also strengthens the overall cohesion of the complex by creating a seamless flow between social and recreational functions.

Technical information

The project’s landscape design prioritizes native vegetation and sustainable water management, as exemplified by the subterranean tree planters. These planters feature a meticulously layered system—geo-textile membranes, drainage cells, and waterproof barriers—to ensure optimal hydration for species like Betula trees while preventing water waste or root degradation. This approach not only respects the local ecosystem but also aligns with broader sustainable goals, reducing irrigation needs and promoting long-term plant health.

To enhance the existing main building, we implemented a high-performance facade system combining 500mm masonry walls with Webertherm insulation boards (175mm) and durable Weber-screen finishes (1.8mm). This upgrade significantly improves thermal efficiency and weather resistance, complementing the passive solar heating strategy that utilizes Low-E glass (Saint Gobain) to maximize winter heat gain. For interior spaces with specialized demands—such as the kitchen and playroom—we employed fire-resistant Placo RF wall systems (150mm) with rock wool insulation (60mm ROWER), ensuring both safety and acoustic comfort. Meanwhile, lightweight timber-frame partitions (400mm c/c) offer flexibility for future spatial reconfigurations without compromising structural integrity.

The dune-shaped connector is engineered for both aesthetic impact and longevity. Its wooden columns are strategically mounted on concrete plinths, eliminating direct soil contact to prevent moisture damage and extend the structure’s lifespan. This hybrid design merges the tactile warmth of natural materials with the robustness of concrete, embodying the project’s dual emphasis on visual harmony and pragmatic resilience.

Beyond material choices, the design integrates passive systems for year-round comfort. Winter heating relies on solar gain through Low-E glazing and heat redistribution to adjacent spaces, while summer cooling leverages stack-effect ventilation and nighttime air flushing. These strategies, paired with adaptive reuse (e.g., transforming a storage area into a bar), reflect a commitment to sustainability that operates at both macro and micro scales. Every intervention—from landscape to structure—is a calibrated response to environmental, functional, and social imperatives, resulting in a cohesive architectural ecosystem.

Documentation

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