Architects: Lemoal Lemoal Architectes
Location: Croissy-Beaubourg, France
Area: 380 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Elodie Dupuis, Bertrand Fompeyrine
Lead Architect: Sonia Sifflet
Revolutionizing Public Buildings: The Pierre Chevet Sports Hall
Introduction:
The Pierre Chevet sports hall, situated in Croissy-Beaubourg, France, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable construction, marked by the innovative use of hempcrete blocks. Crafted by Lemoal Lemoal architecture and landscaping office, this project signifies a collaborative effort between manufacturers, architects, and construction companies to explore novel and eco-friendly building practices.
Structural Excellence: Hemp and Wood Integration
Holistic Approach:
The structural concept of the sports hall revolves around the utilization of enduring materials, emphasizing longevity and multifaceted performance. Wooden half-vaulted porticoes, strategically designed to maximize the available space for sports activities, rest upon a supportive wall constructed with hempcrete blocks. These blocks, chosen for their exceptional thermal, acoustical, and structural attributes, along with a fire resistance rating of REI 30, contribute to the overall excellence of the structure.
Sustainable Hemp Sourcing: A Short Supply Chain Story
Innovative Building Blocks:
The hempcrete blocks employed in this project are a product of Vicat, a renowned cement manufacturer. These blocks are crafted from hemp hurds, an agricultural byproduct that previously lacked market demand. Sourced from plants cultivated within France and processed less than 500km away from the construction site, this innovative use of hemp in building blocks not only enhances durability and performance but also supports short supply chains. The collaborative effort involves stakeholders from farmers to workers, promoting a sustainable and localized approach.
Versatile Finishing: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
Adaptable Facades:
Contrary to the traditional application of hemp in detached houses, the sports hall’s façades undergo a unique treatment. Cladding, designed with replaceable panels, covers the exteriors, ensuring easy maintenance. While lower sections of interior surfaces feature hemp plaster for a refined finish, the upper parts showcase exposed hempcrete blocks, preserving their acoustical qualities.
Durability in Design:
The use of hemp in construction not only addresses sustainability concerns but also aligns with the principles of a circular economy. The Pierre Chevet sports hall emerges as a testament to the possibilities of eco-conscious building practices, showcasing the integration of innovation, sustainability, and functional design in the realm of public infrastructure.
