Terra Lab and Students Village

Project idea

The project draws inspiration from the melancholic character of a traditional French village. We renovated an old school building in the village of Chimilin, France, opening it up to new functions and possibilities. For the academic part of the project, we proposed a village-like layout inspired by French rural architecture, using the traditional rammed earth (pisé) wall technique.

Project description

The project, located in Villefontaine, includes laboratories, modular student housing, and workshop spaces accessible to both students and local residents. Designed with community and sustainability in mind, it fosters collaboration between academia and the public. The layout promotes interaction and flexibility, while the use of ecological materials—such as rammed earth—reflects a commitment to low-impact, environmentally conscious construction. The project creates a vibrant, inclusive space that blends education, living, and hands-on experimentation in a village-like setting.

Technical information

The project incorporates several technical solutions rooted in sustainable and context-specific design. A key feature is the use of rammed earth (pisé)—a natural, locally sourced material with a long tradition in the region. This technique not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint but also offers excellent thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperatures and contributing to energy efficiency.

In addition, the buildings feature large glazed areas integrated into timber structures, creating passive solar spaces. These sunlit zones function as solar-heated accumulation spaces, capturing heat during the day and slowly releasing it, thereby reducing the need for mechanical heating. The combination of natural materials and passive climate strategies results in a building that is both environmentally responsible and thermally efficient.