Bien Urbain's Gill-Like Shed Roof for Montfermeil Nursery School
In March 2026, Bien Urbain completed a 745-square-meter expansion of the Paul Éluard Nursery School in Montfermeil, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. The new two-story addition features a roof made of standing-seam zinc and includes four north-facing sheds to maximize natural light and airflow. It blends seamlessly with the local heritage, which features landmarks like the Château des Cèdres and the Saint-Pierre – Saint-Paul church. Inside, the ground floor links two courtyards and houses a dormitory, restrooms for kids, and a multipurpose space. The facade is crafted from stone from the Vassens quarry, matching the historic surroundings. The existing 1,242-square-meter facility also got insulation upgrades and a covered outdoor link. Florent Michel documented the project, with input from Sodeba Ginko, Acoustique Vivié & associés, and Global.
Key facts
- Four north-facing sheds, described as gills, form the roof of the extension.
- The project was delivered in March 2026.
- The extension is 745 square meters (8,019 sq ft).
- It is located near the Château des Cèdres and the church of Saint-Pierre – Saint-Paul in a heritage town center.
- The new volume stays below the existing roof ridge line.
- Stone from the Vassens quarry is used for the massive exterior walls.
- The existing 1,242-square-meter building was retrofitted with external insulation.
- Photographer Florent Michel of 11h45 documented the project.
Entities
Artists
- Florent Michel
- Karine Guilbert
Institutions
- Bien Urbain
- MET Architects
- Sodeba Ginko
- Acoustique Vivié & associés
- Global
- 11h45
- Pinault Collection
- La Poste Immobilier
- Ministry of Culture
- École Louis Lumière
- Musée du Travail – Charles Peyre
- Paul Éluard Nursery School
Locations
- Montfermeil
- France
- Paris
- Vassens
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Nanteuil
- Château des Cèdres
- church of Saint-Pierre – Saint-Paul
- rue de l'Église
- Arboretum park
- Eiffel Tower
- Bourse de Commerce
- Louvre