Pfastatt

It is never easy to position a new project in relation to an existing one. The site on which we are working has a magnificent, calm, and peaceful setting, where the landscape is captivating. What is also striking is the consistency of the architecture found there, which made it essential for us to give preliminary thought to the approach to be taken in this extension project. The current building has many qualities, with its unique yet rational design reflecting its original 1982 design, which we do not wish to distort. With this in mind, we have positioned ourselves in continuity with the existing building, respectfully, without wanting to erase it or attempt to dominate it in any way. It is important to us to respect what is already there and to work with the elements present on site in order to come up with the proposal that we feel is the most “appropriate,” in line with the existing architectural choices.

We want the extensions to blend into their surroundings as seamlessly as possible, and for the implementation of our project to seem obvious, as if it were an integral part of the original project. The concept of respect guided our thinking: respect for the site, the location, the architecture, and also the landscape. What we sought to achieve in this project was overall harmony. To be consistent with these existing choices, we designed the plans so that the volumes remain fairly small, compact, and controlled.

In this environment surrounded by agricultural plots, the architectural volumes we are adding to this dichotomous site are simple, discreet, and understated. These rigorous volumes are on the scale of the site, a human scale, where the volumes correspond to the different programs they house. We have rigorously preserved and repeated the same roof slopes as those of the school in order to adapt to the different programs. This module, found in both extensions, creates a new architecture, yet one that is in line with the profile of the Katia and Maurice Krafft school. We are not seeking to compete, but rather to achieve continuity in terms of volumes and materials. The use of brick on the existing building demonstrates the durability of this material, and it seemed obvious to us to choose the same material for the extensions. The building is well constructed and durable, and we wanted our project to be in keeping with this continuity.