Lullier's CFPne and HEPIA horticultural center extension

Competition

Typology: Education
Location: Jussy, GE
Client: Département du Territoire, Office cantonal des bâtiments
Year: 2024
Surface area: 4050 m²

@horoma studio

The project is located in the southern part of the site, following the natural axis of the wooded belt along the Nant de l’Abbaye de Presinge rather than the existing orthogonal layout. It connects the northern area dedicated to theoretical teaching with the southern area for practical learning, while creating a new central square that animates the educational hub. Independent and distinctive, the building respects the heritage of Alfred Damay and Michel Frey. Its simple volume, limited to four stories, preserves the landscape while drawing inspiration from existing forms.

The building brings together the entire school program in a clear and intuitive layout. An open hall links the outdoor spaces and houses a fully glazed library. Vertical circulation promotes informal interaction and offers views of the surrounding landscape. CFPne classrooms occupy the first floor, HEPIA classrooms the second, while offices and meeting rooms are located on the third. The three-bay structural grid optimizes natural light and spatial flexibility.

The design favors simplicity and preservation of the existing vegetation. Two key outdoor spaces organize the surroundings: a permeable central square as a meeting point and flow connector, and a planted transition zone linking the school to the wooded belt.

The structure follows a regular, adaptable grid. Lower levels use high-strength BTC (beech, ash), while upper floors use glulam (spruce-fir). Ribbed timber slabs and recycled concrete cores provide stability, and the rammed-earth concrete cladding is self-supporting. In winter, thermal mass stores heat; in summer, natural ventilation and timber ceilings cool the interiors. Solar shading, low-carbon materials, and passive strategies reduce energy use and environmental impact.