The design for the new Haut-de-Dorigny school building proposes a landscape solution, resonating the site’s topography through a stepped building volume. Spread over three natural levels, the design translates the morphology of the terrain into a terraced architecture, offering generous outdoor spaces that define the building’s inside-out character and amplify the exterior space on the compact plot. The building, featuring greenery along its length, integrates seamlessly into the undulating terrain and becomes part of the landscape with views of the lake and mountains.

Architecturally, the school showcases high transparency with its north and south facades almost entirely glazed, seemingly allowing the landscape to flow through. Two entrances accommodate the building’s multifunctionality: one from the south provides access to after-school programs, daycare, a sports hall, and a multipurpose hall, while the primary school functions, library, and administration can be easily reached from the upper break area. An interior landscape of stairs joins together all programmes, facilitating access along the exterior topography, and enhancing the distinct identity of each floor by organising the different functions according to contextual demands.

A vertical circulation core and an external stairway along the west façade connect to the all-weather playground and roof play area. Prioritizing flexibility, the rigid concrete grid structure accommodates adaptations to future learning concepts, leveraging prefabricated timber elements in the interior, creating a warm atmosphere within the school rooms.