Association and Civic Hall of Tréméven | 2022

In early 2019, Chantale Delugin, mayor of Tréméven (22), assisted by the CAUE 22, launched a consultation for the design and construction of the community hall’s demolition and reconstruction. Three teams were invited to submit proposals. The task was straightforward: rebuild the polyvalent hall in the old school building by demolishing the existing hall and renovating and extending the old school. We chose a different approach.

The site consists of a variety of structures: housing, a community hall, a town hall, a boules pitch, a shed, and a greenhouse. This diversity of functions defines two distinct zones: to the west, the courtyard faces the town center, while to the east, the town hall faces the plant boundary. At the center, the housing, the old school, the greenhouse, and the shed separate these two zones.

The pre-programmed plan guided the design towards rehabilitating the old school and enlarging it to accommodate the new hall. This would involve stripping the old school and adjoining buildings, removing asbestos, re-insulating, and extending.

We proposed an alternative: a simple renovation of the old school, keeping its essence, and building a new, independent hall. This solution offered several advantages: more flexibility for the hall’s design, brighter spaces, and adherence to the budget of €330,000. It also allowed us to renovate the old school in a more respectful, unconventional manner.

Stripping down the old school and highlighting its stone, beams, and large windows was our way of preserving its heritage. We aimed to return to its original architectural form, removing contemporary additions. Inspired by interventions such as those by Kawamata and Lévêque, we wanted to open the old school to the landscape. This simplified renovation also allowed for the creation of a second, non-insulated hall.

The south gable opening of the old school created a direct connection to the new hall. The design also led from the mineral space of the town to the new landscaping. The hall is positioned perpendicularly to the school, turning its back on technical areas and facing two new courtyards.

The new hall is placed at the site’s edge, close to parking. It extends in a band, starting with the entrance and reception area. A technical block houses the restrooms, office, and bar. The hall, free from structural elements, opens onto the landscape. The entire length of the building incorporates storage and technical spaces. This arrangement creates two distinct courtyards: a mineral one to the west and a plant-filled one to the east. The proximity of the new hall and the old school offers potential for future expansion. Accordion-style windows open the hall’s façade, extending the space into the old school.

The relationship with the municipal team and Claude Cherel of CAUE 22 has been marked by open-mindedness, enabling bold choices.

Material selection followed a strategy of economic simplicity. With a tight budget, we chose raw materials, avoiding unnecessary finishes to reflect the design process. The structure resembles an abstract shell, resting on a solid volume. Half-trusses are supported on one side by a masonry wall and on the other by slender galvanized steel posts.

Category:Community CentersLocation:Tréméven, FranceArchitect: Simon Masson, FranceArchitecture Office:BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Lead Architects:BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Landscape Architects:BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Design Team: BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Contractor:BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Client: Municipality of TrémévenPhotographer: Aurélien Chen & BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)