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Campus BUILDERS

Design and construction of the future Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes campus of BUILDERS Engineering School in Vaulx-en-Velin.

Guided by values of innovation, sustainability, and flexibility, this campus—designed to train the building and public works engineers of tomorrow—addresses the challenges of a constantly evolving world. It emphasizes the importance of continuous adaptation to the school’s needs, while respecting a responsible environmental and social framework.

This project is based on a model of overall efficiency—particularly in terms of energy—thanks to natural ventilation solutions, green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and a connection to the urban heating network, enabling it to achieve an E3C2 level of energy and carbon performance.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes campus of BUILDERS Engineering School goes beyond the mere construction of a building: it embodies a sustainable transformation, combining ecological responsibility with educational needs to develop collective solutions tailored to future generations.

Client : BUILDERS École d’ingénieurs Campus AURA

Location : Vaulx-en-Velin, France

Size : 2 876 m²

Status : In process

Key points

  • Campus.
  • Atrium.
  • Creation of a central and cross-cutting garden.
  • Smooth circulation and spatial legibility.

Environmental perfomances

  • RE2020, energy carbon index threshold 2028
  • E3C2 level of the E+C- label.
  • Level 2 of the bio-based label.
  • Techniwood timber-frame façade.
  • Louvers made of recycled aluminum.
  • Ultra-low carbon concrete by Vicat.
Intérieur de l'école builders depuis la coursive

Architectural design and building identity

The building’s design is based on the principle of a protective envelope, combining robustness and openness. On the façade, stained concrete forms a solid block, resistant to weather and the passage of time. The main entrance, located on the ground floor, serves as a transition between the public space and the surrounding park, with a series of openings that maximize natural light and offer views of nature. This ground floor is conceived as a place that fosters connection—a transitional space that invites exploration. The upper floors are clad in fine vertical spines made of recycled aluminum, giving the building a sense of visual lightness while creating dynamic plays of light and shadow. The façade, treated in this way, is both elegant and functional, ensuring optimized energy performance.

A campus aligned with the values of BUILDERS Engineering School: innovation, academic excellence, and a strong local presence.

Vue aérienne du campus builders

Sustainability and resilience

To address current environmental challenges, this building has been designed to offer resilience in the face of climate change. Natural ventilation is integrated to promote healthy indoor air and optimal thermal comfort. Adjustable shading systems, combined with ceiling fans, help regulate indoor temperatures while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the rewilding of the site, through the integration of plant elements, improves air quality and provides shaded areas for users.

Materials have been carefully selected for their durability and minimal environmental impact. Wood, recycled aluminum, low-carbon concrete, and Equitone panels contribute both to the project's aesthetic and to the reduction of its ecological footprint.

Functioning and spatial organization

The building is conceived as a coherent whole, where each function is clearly defined while remaining open to interaction. Four main entities coexist within the building: education, administration, research, and student life. This organization fosters synergy between the different areas while promoting smooth circulation and exchanges among users. At the heart of the building, a central atrium and a passageway connect the various spaces.

The agora, located at the very center, becomes a meeting place—a key hub where students, researchers, and teachers can interact. The research area is designed to facilitate connections between students and the professional world. Positioned near the agora and practical work rooms, it is intended to be both intimate and accessible. Special attention has been given to student life, with shared spaces such as a kitchen, student association offices, and a central tiered seating area that serves both as a thoroughfare and a space for interaction.

Vue hall du campus builders

An adaptable and modular campus

Flexibility is at the heart of the campus design. Thanks to a post-and-beam structural system, the building can be easily modified or adapted over time to meet future needs. The spaces are modular, allowing for seamless transformation of the interior layout in line with anticipated developments.

The project also considers the possibility of future extensions. The façade, made of prefabricated and removable panels, allows for adjustments without altering the main structure. The reduced use of concrete and the optimization of the structural grid offer extension solutions that minimize environmental impact.

This building embodies a vision of enduring and adaptable architecture, capable of meeting current needs while anticipating future requirements. Its flexible design, durable materials, and intelligent integration into the landscape make this project a model of innovation.

Campus builders depuis la rue

Team :

Patriarche (Architecture, Interior Architecture)
Partners:
Léon Grosse (lead contractor), Graphyte, Indiggo, BETEM, ICS, LASA

Credits :

3D : © Patriarche

 

 

Program

Education