French architecture studio DREAM has unveiled the ESAT Lozaits-Seguin, a light-filled community building in Villejuif, just south of Paris. This 3,570 square meter facility supports 150 individuals with disabilities and ensures accessibility throughout. Located in a revitalized urban zone of Île-de-France, the building plays a crucial role in a broader renewal program. The structure and cladding are crafted from natural wood, reflecting DREAM's commitment to sustainable architecture.
ESAT helps individuals build professional lives based on their abilities and ambitions. Professionals at this site provide services like trimming and maintaining flower beds throughout Île-de-France. Additionally, creative workshop spaces allow individuals to craft items like lampshades and cushions.
The building stands out in the neighborhood with high-quality spaces and sustainable construction that stores carbon. It is surrounded by a park with local flora and century-old trees. The complex includes creative workshops, a cafeteria, logistics areas, and offices. The design prioritizes user well-being with ergonomic spatial arrangements that promote mental health. Open, light-filled spaces replace traditional corridors, maximizing natural light. The extensive use of exposed wood creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The structure is made of spruce and Douglas pine, with cladding of autoclaved Douglas pine treated with gray impregnation by Piveteau.
At the heart of the facility are production hubs and workshops. These have distinct shed-like silhouettes and natural materials that blend with the neighborhood's character. The workshops are flexible, with varying ceiling heights and adaptable spaces to meet diverse needs. Natural light fills the interiors, while careful attention to acoustics ensures a tranquil environment, addressing the psychosomatic impact of sound.
Interior wood fiber coatings provide visual, aesthetic, thermal, and acoustic comfort. The unique shed roof design channels north light into each workshop, preventing summer overheating and maintaining a bright, airy ambiance. The logistics spaces are also thoughtfully designed, with a hybrid covered area that facilitates movement and user interaction.
