A new chapter for a historic school complex

Ateliers O-S architectes designed the Lugrin School extension in the heart of Lugrin, a French village overlooking Lake Geneva. Framed between a 19th-century girls’ school and a mid-20th-century boys’ schoolhouse, the new structure sensitively enhances the historical ensemble. It introduces four new classrooms, a visual arts room, a catering space, and communal areas, addressing the town’s growing needs while preserving its architectural continuity.

Topography as a design framework

The extension integrates with the sloping terrain by stacking its volumes at half-levels, mirroring the layered topography of the site. Its parallelepiped form is defined by Corten steel cladding atop a concrete base, allowing it to stand out as a contemporary addition without overwhelming its setting. The double-pitched roof and barn-like silhouette reflect the local rural vernacular, creating a visual dialogue with the surrounding village fabric.

Material contrasts and programmatic clarity

The upper level contains the dining facilities, while the classrooms are located on the lower floor, with each function expressed through distinct materiality. The weathering steel envelope gradually blends into the tiled roofs nearby, reinforcing cohesion. Inside, timber framing and concrete walls create a robust yet economical structure, designed for durability and environmental performance on a constrained budget.

Spaces for learning and connection

A covered gallery lines the new nursery courtyard, offering not only circulation but a sheltered social space that encourages interaction during breaks. This architectural “breadcrumb trail” links old and new buildings into a cohesive whole. The Lugrin School extension demonstrates the architects’ ongoing exploration of materials and form, further refining a language developed in earlier cultural and educational projects.

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