Allowing very young children to have fun like crazy while maintaining good working conditions for the staff responsible for looking after them is a bold challenge. In any case, this is the approach taken by the architect Paul Le Quernec when creating this crèche in Montrond-les-Bains (Loire). He admits that he went about it in a somewhat roundabout way to convey his most innovative ideas, as it is true that we have never seen this kind of catamaran net installed in a public place, nor a games room. water transformed into an indoor paddling pool.
“These are transgressions of the program, laughs the main person concerned. I presented the project owner with a fait accompli.” The large reception areas had been designed to accommodate this giant net which offers an additional entertainment room while taking advantage of natural light. But no one understood this from the plans, nor even at a very advanced stage of the project. It was only when the net was installed that everyone found themselves faced with a fait accompli.
Transgression
Same thing for the room reserved for water games. “I respected the specifications, I needed a room of the kind where children are in contact with water, explains Paul Le Quernec. In general, these are small basins on tripods where children in raincoats can make a few splashes, it’s a terrible lack of ambition. I simply took out the whole room and tiled it completely so we could flood it. They take off their socks and can change into panties. This gives an immersive and transgressive effect.”
This crib was desired by the Community of Communes of Forez-est in search of a compact building with a pooling of possible spaces and the use of economical materials. “On this basis, we wanted to integrate playful and soothing architecture, maximum natural lighting and high quality acoustics.», specifies Paul Le Quernec. This is how each area of the nursery has zenithal light which arrives from a pyramidal structure covered with perforated plates, “a formidable sound trap”according to the architect. In terms of calm and efficiency in a constrained space, the places only use two colors: beige from floor to ceiling for the living spaces and sky blue for the bathrooms. This really gives the impression that all the furniture is directly integrated into the walls and it significantly enlarges the space.
A net that supports 10 tons
The architect’s commitment to installing his catamaran net above the nursery reception area was nevertheless a source of a number of constraints. “We had to make certain modifications to comply with the very restrictive fire standards when we are in the reception area and we obviously had to be particularly vigilant about safety standards.” This net which covers 25 m² therefore offers a resistance of 400 kg per m², it could therefore support 10 tonnes. For a 36-place crèche with children weighing less than 15 kg, this leaves some margin… The only concession from the architect was that he had to close access to this space with a door (entirely transparent), allowing him to who wanted to leave entry free.
“My idea is to create a sensory experience for these young children, inspiring memories, underlines Paul Le Quernec. There is this little theme park feel to remind us that it is a place where there are things that do not exist in their home country. It’s my way of suggesting to them a taste for public facilities.” But if he is concerned about the little ones, he does not forget those who work on site. “It’s for them that I wanted particularly careful acoustics, the children don’t care. But if the people who work there feel better with less stress, they will be happier, more available and the little ones will also benefit.” After visiting the premises in full operation a fortnight ago, the architect came back pleasantly surprised. “I have not received any criticism from those who work there, he wonders. I was even congratulated by a lady for the acoustics and the sound atmosphere.” And while he is not entirely sure that his net and bathroom will be used extensively if the children are difficult to manage, he believes he has fulfilled his role: “I offer this possibility and those who manage the places have it”.