Kennedy School Complex in Lyon

  • Street view of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, an L-shaped, mineral-finished volume with large windows and planted forecourt along the pavement.
  • Street view in Lyon showing the Kennedy School complex’s timber-framed, mineral L-shaped volume stepping back from a traditional suburban house.
  • Street-side view of Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing mineral L-shaped façade, large corner glazing and planted forecourt with young trees.
  • Street view of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, showing timber-framed, mineral façade with vertical slats facing a planted pedestrian forecourt.
  • Completion view of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, showing timber ground floor under a recessed canopy, mineral upper levels and planted playground with mature trees.
  • Timber colonnade and covered playground at Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, with post-and-beam roof lights opening onto the planted courtyard.
  • Interior corridor of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, with timber structure, orange bracing, built-in benches and lockers, and a continuous linear ceiling light.
  • Interior of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon with exposed timber beams, corner glazing to trees outside, red acoustic curtain and light timber floor.
  • Interior classroom of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon with timber linings, slatted ceiling, large framed windows and compact furniture around reading corners.
  • Interior of a timber-framed classroom at Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, with exposed wood ceiling, large windows and children working at grouped desks.

The school is located within a block undergoing transformation, in a heterogeneous suburban context. With a simple form and restrained design, it is set on the street alignment to form an L-shape around a generously planted playground. A cross-through hall manages the junction at the corner and accommodates the main staircase. The building width is stepped back at the top floor to ensure a transition in scale with the surroundings and to create accessible roof terraces. Built in timber and insulated with straw, the school presents a mineral expression on the façades to support its integration and durability.

  • Detail of terrazzo stair and floor junction at Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, showing metal balustrade base and natural light on the mineral surface.
    Interior of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon showing a timber cloakroom wall with terrazzo bench, cubby storage and aligned metal hooks beneath a glazed screen.
    Timber structure corridor under construction at Kennedy School Complex in Lyon, showing exposed posts, beams, services and a glazed opening at the end.
    Interior view of Kennedy School Complex in Lyon under construction, showing timber structure, exposed straw insulation bales and large framed windows.
  • Site plan of the J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing the L-shaped buildings within the urban block, surrounding streets and tree-lined open spaces.

    Site plan

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  • Axonometric drawing of the J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing L-shaped volumes with flat roofs, rooftop grids, covered walkways and landscaped courtyards.

    Axonometric view

  • Ground floor plan of J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing linear classroom wing, service core and circulation facing a landscaped playground with trees.

    Ground floor plan

  • Longitudinal floor plan of J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing linear classroom wing, cross circulation cores and compact service block.

    First floor plan

  • Ground floor plan of J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing linear classroom wing, circulation spine, service core and two landscaped courtyards.

    Second floor plan

  • Front elevation drawing of the J.F. Kennedy School complex in Lyon, showing a low horizontal volume with regular window bands, central glazed bays and planted forecourt.

    South elevation

Project details

  • Address
    1 rue de la Concorde, Lyon, Rhône
  • Dates
    2021-2026
  • Programme
    17 classrooms, school cafeteria, library
  • Surface area
    4,300 m2
  • Budget
    11.6 M€
  • Regulatory framework
    RE 2020 niveau 2028 – Cep – 30 %
  • Carbon emissions
    854 kgCO2eq/m2
  • Energy consumption
    -3.9 kWh/m2/year
  • Labels
    Bâtiment biosourcé niveau 3, E4C2
  • Notable details
    Timber-frame walls with straw insulation, lime render, Hauteville stone plinth, natural night ventilation, ceiling fans, external venetian blinds, adiabatic air handling units, 600 m² of photovoltaic panels

Credits

  • Client
    Ville de Lyon
  • Project management
    Tectoniques (architect, lead), LJN (landscape architect), Tectoniques Ingénieurs (cost consultant, electrical engineering, MEP engineering, timber structure, concrete structure), eEgenie (sustainability consultant), Gamba (acoustic consultant), Studis (kitchen designer)
  • Photography
    Maxime Verret

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