Henri Wallon primary school | LEM+ architectes

The Lem+ agency hands over the renovated façades for the Henri Wallon primary school in Montreuil, France. Apart from the asbestos treatment, the project provides for improved thermal performances and summer comfort, as well as the provision of access for the disabled. The building dates back to the 1960s: two upper levels over a ground floor, 64 metres long and 18 metres wide. The building has simple proportions and uses a concrete post and beam structural grid and hollow block floor slabs. The façades are dictated by the grid. For reasons of thermal insulation and deadlines (occupied site), the constructive choice of new, high performance façades was guided towards the use of site-assembled prefabricated wooden panels. The design of the new façades is based on a system of prefabricated panels that rise up over the height of the two upper levels (height: 7.1 metres) and use the existing 1.75 metre grid. The new factory-manufactured façade panels take the form of timber framed units provided with rockwool insulation placed between the uprights and an external finish using varnished multi-ply panels. The glazed casements (solid plywood) are surface-mounted onto the structure.