Health and Daycare Centre in Paris

In the Lefebvre-Périchaux-Brancion residential complex, Guillaume Ramillien Architecture has designed a building with a green inner courtyard that transforms the surrounding urban landscape. The building provides space for the health department and a daycare centre. At the same time, the building creates a clear path between the large-scale residential buildings in the neighbourhood, reorganising the existing urban situation. There is also an almost monastic-looking inner courtyard with a garden, which now houses the large trees on the site.

The inner garden is a green oasis of calm, © Pascal Amoyel

The building comprises a two-storey wing and an L-shaped single-storey section. The health department is located on the ground floor, while the childcare facilities are spread over two floors in both sections of the building. These uses are arranged around a cloister-like space, with the garden at its heart. This forms a connecting element between the two areas and also serves as a play area for the children. In addition there is also a large, partially green roof terrace above the single-storey wing which extends the landscape on the ground floor. 

The daycare centre is located on the upper floor and has a visible sawtooth roof. © Pascal Amoyel

Except for a base made of white bricks, the building is constructed entirely from wood. The zinc-covered, shed-shaped roofs collect rainwater in the garden. The transparency of the large framed glass surfaces creates visual transitions between the interior spaces and the garden. The wood used for the window frames, facade cladding, supporting structure, stairs and outdoor furniture comprises pine, spruce, Douglas fir and oak. This emphasises the building's character as an oasis of calm within the urban landscape. Playful, sculptural details, such as the birdhouses in the garden and the ventilation chimneys for the underground car park, add to the building's charm.