Timber And Straw Public Centre Connects Two French Districts

French architecture studio HEMAA has designed the Jacques Prévert Public Services Centre in Évry-Courcouronnes. The civic building forms a physical and social link between the Les Pyramides and Le Bois Sauvage districts. Its material palette combines a timber structure and straw insulation with solid red-brick façades.

Multiple Services Under One Roof

The centre brings a wide range of public and community services together in one accessible building. It includes a branch town hall, parenting centre, 30-place nursery and cultural facilities. A 180-seat multipurpose hall, dance studio, art and music rooms, workshops and a public internet space complete the programme.

A naturally lit interior street runs from north to south and forms the building’s main circulation route. Two entrances connect this central space to public forecourts on either side. A planted patio and several outdoor seating areas provide additional places for meeting and informal use.

Three pavilions line the interior street. The eastern pavilion contains the cultural spaces, including the double-height hall. Two further pavilions sit around a central patio and accommodate the town hall, nursery and sociocultural facilities.

Brick Connects Past And Present

The solid brick exterior refers to the architectural identity of Évry-Courcouronnes. This includes Les Pyramides by Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat, as well as Mario Botta’s cathedral. HEMAA used the red brick in several forms, including projecting details, base courses and openwork screens. These variations create shadow and texture while concealing service areas and protecting the children’s gardens.

Large glazed sections open the building towards the surrounding public space. Inside, timber finishes across ceilings, walls and furniture add warmth and help improve acoustic comfort.

Timber, Straw And Low-Carbon Concrete

The structure consists entirely of a timber frame insulated with 37-centimetre-thick, edge-laid straw bales. A low-carbon concrete basement supports the building. The unusual combination of timber construction and solid-brick façades required a specific ATEX technical assessment.

The roof garden extends the planting of the surrounding public realm. It creates varied habitats for local flora and fauna, including nesting birds, and helps connect nearby urban green spaces. The planted roof also retains rainwater. A collection tank stores additional water for reuse in a drip-irrigation system.

Photovoltaic panels on the lightweight roof above the interior street generate electricity for use on site. Wooden window and door frames incorporate exterior blinds to reduce solar heat gain and provide blackout where required. In the multipurpose hall, a double-skin glazed wall supports acoustic comfort.

Since opening, the centre has hosted activities ranging from elections to neighbourhood celebrations and an Iftar dinner, demonstrating the flexibility of its shared spaces.

Source: HEMAA
Photos: Charles Bouchaïb / Sergio Grazia