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Denis Mukwege School Group in Melun

In the Woodi eco-neighbourhood of SAS Plaine de Montaigu in Melun, an innovative school complex opened its doors in autumn 2022. It bears the name of Denis Mukwege, winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. Nicknamed ‘the man who repairs women’, this doctor has close ties with the town of Melun, of which he has been an honorary citizen since 2016.

At the cutting edge of environmental standards, the school complex covers 4,200 m² and includes a nursery and primary school as well as a leisure centre. By complying with RT 2012 / E3-C2 passive house standards, this €11 million project is a model of green construction.

The bioclimatic design of the school complex makes use of the sun's path to capture heat in winter and protect against it in summer. The buildings are closed to the north, but face south to take advantage of the sun's rays. Natural light also actively contributes to improving children's learning abilities. The layout of the buildings provides comfortable outdoor spaces and protects against external influences such as prevailing winds and noise. Rainwater is managed by green roofs. Any water that is not absorbed by the roofs is injected into the eco-neighbourhood's rainwater network.

The insulation is made from bio-sourced materials, including locally-grown hemp. Construction was designed around short distances and regional know-how.

For the buildings, preference was given to sustainable raw materials such as wood, which has significantly improved indoor air quality. The finished concept reduces heating requirements by approaching passivity. Geothermal heat production, an integrated dual-flow ventilation system and additional natural ventilation ensure a healthy, high-performance thermal environment.

Griesser made a key contribution to this eco-responsible project. 35 bronze Metalunic external venetian blinds (VSR 780) were installed on the school complex. Highly appreciated, they offer a number of advantages. In particular, their anti-lift system protects against break-ins. Their flexible drive allows the slats to be precisely adjusted to regulate light levels. Robust and resistant to bending, the slat profile is elegant and underlines the architectural aesthetics of the building.

The construction project was entrusted to Tectoniques Architectes. Comprising 50 architects and engineers, the company specialises in sustainable construction.