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CALENDAR DIRECTORY ATLAS TRAINING RESOURCES QUIZ

centre de decouverte et d'etude naturaliste BeautourPhotographer : Sergio Grazia

centre de decouverte et d'etude naturaliste BeautourPhotographer : Sergio Grazia

centre de decouverte et d'etude naturaliste BeautourPhotographer : Sergio Grazia

centre de decouverte et d'etude naturaliste BeautourPhotographer : Sergio Grazia

centre de decouverte et d'etude naturaliste BeautourPhotographer : Sergio Grazia

Photographer : Stéphane Chalmeau

Photographer : Stéphane Chalmeau

Photographer : Stéphane Chalmeau

Photographer : Stéphane Chalmeau

Photographer : Stéphane Chalmeau

Plan Rez-de-chaussée

Coupe transversale

Couep longitudinale

Photographer : W. Berré

Photographer : W. Berré

Photographer : W. Berré

Photographer : W. Berré

Photographer : W. Berré

Bâti existant

Caption

Project

Designers

Companies

Suppliers

Materials

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Beautour

The Centre Beautour, which opened in 2013 in La Roche-sur-Yon, is a regional center dedicated to biodiversity, science education, and the environment, showcasing the collections and historic estate of naturalist Georges Durand.

Since it meets at least two criteria in four categories (out of five), this project was selected for inclusion in this atlas.

Existing site and layout

Renovation or restoration

The project is a renovation, a restoration, or an addition.

Criterion met: Une partie du projet réhabilite une maison de maitre

Preservation of existing buildings

≥ 50% of the existing surface area is preserved, OR selective dismantling is documented.

Limiting urbanization

Land sealing is limited: ≥ 50% of the lot remains permeable after construction.

Criterion met: Le projet repose sur des pilotis laissant la surface libre

Bioclimatic Design

The site layout is bioclimatic: ≥ 2 visible principles (solar orientation, shading/sun screens, placement of building volumes).

Optimized Foundations

The foundations are optimized (wood piles, reduced footings, structural optimization, technical piles, etc.).

Contextual integration

The project’s architecture blends into its surrounding context.

Regional Award

The project won an award (regional prize).

Criterion met: Prix Départemental d'Architecture et d'Aménagement de la Vendée (2016)

Biodiversity and Life

Green space

At least 30% of the lot’s surface area is covered with vegetation (or a green roof).

Existing vegetation preserved

At least 50% of the existing vegetation is preserved.

Local and native species

At least 70% of the tree species planted are local or native.

Edible or food-bearing species

Planting at least one species that is edible for humans (fruit tree, vegetable garden, herb garden, etc.) OR provides food for wildlife (berries, fruits, seeds).

Wildlife Home

Presence of at least one wildlife habitat feature (nest box, shelter, wildlife crossing, roof overhang, etc.).

Impact-resistant glazing

Glass treated to prevent bird collisions.

Permeable Fences

Fences, if any, are permeable to small wildlife.

Landscape award or prize

The project has received a certification or award (BiodiverCity, Effinature, landscape award).

Materials, Structure, and Resources

Limited concrete

Use of concrete is limited to foundations, plinths, elevator shafts, underground parking garages, OR documented recycled concrete. (NOTE: Conventional cement production accounts for 6 to 8% of global CO₂ emissions — ADEME.)

Bio-based or geosourced insulation

The primary insulation is bio-based, geosourced, or recycled.

Criterion met: Chaume : 35cm en toiture ; 25cm en façade

Local materials (< 200 km)

At least one material used comes from within 200 km of the project site.

Local company (< 200 km)

A company located less than 200 km from the project site was involved.

Certified or traceable wood

The wood is certified or traceable. (NOTE: Wood is an eco-friendly material, but its production is not always sustainable; irresponsible logging reduces biodiversity and can lead to deforestation. — WWF France.)

Healthy interior materials

The interior materials are low-emission (natural or A+ product rating).

Material label or award

The project has received an accreditation or award (Wood Construction Award, Matera Award, Straw-Bale Certified).

Criterion met: Prix national de la construction bois (2014)

Energy, Air, Water, and Comfort

Natural ventilation or dual-flow ventilation

Installation of natural ventilation or dual-flow ventilation.

No air conditioning

Lack of technological sophistication.

Sun protection

Installation of exterior sunshades.

Criterion met: Débord de toiture + stores extérieurs

Renewable energy

Use of a renewable energy generation system.

Stormwater Management

Rainwater is managed (swales, tanks, etc.).

Water-saving fixtures

Use of water-saving fixtures (dry toilets, flow restrictors, aerators, etc.).

Energy Performance Label

The project has been certified (BEPOS, Passivhaus, Minergie, BBC Renovation, BBC Effinergie, HQE).

Life Cycle, Reuse, and Inclusion

Reversibility / Scalability

The project is designed to be reversible and adaptable: ≥ 2 criteria (regular structural grid, sequenced opening grid, clear heights ≥ 2.70 m, accessible utility systems, technical cores).

Dismountable assemblies

Use of disassemblable mechanical assemblies.

Reuse (clos-couvert)

Incorporation of at least one reused element in the building envelope (facade, structure, exterior joinery, roofing).

Reuse (finishing work)

Incorporation of at least one reusable element in the finish work (partitions, wall coverings, furniture).

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

100% of the project is accessible to people with limited mobility.

Participatory Approach

The project involves local residents or incorporates an educational process (participatory construction project, public consultation, participatory housing).

Social label / circularity

The project has received certification or an award for reuse, inclusion, or circularity (Cradle to Cradle, Social Innovation Award).

Project Owner:

Région des Pays de la Loire

Localization:

La Roche-sur-Yon (85000), France

Floor area:

2 057 m²

Budget:

6 000 000 € HT

Delivery:

2 014

Architect:

Potin-Guinee

Photographer:

Stéphane Chalmeau, Sergio Grazia

Are you a builder on this project?
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