The new Elancourt Music School is housed in the former Christian center of the Sept Mares community, a key area in the new town of Saint Quentin en Yvelines. Originally built as a chapel, the structure was designed to foster a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, adopting a simple and unadorned aesthetic. Philippe Deslandes crafted the building between 1974 and 1977, aiming to embody qualities of simplicity, modularity, and anonymity.
The building features brick and concrete as primary materials. Its central, open stance makes it a prominent landmark within the community, facilitating its transition into a music school. It serves not only as a cultural hub but also as a warm and inviting gathering place for locals.
The brickwork preserves the building’s original inward and private character. The architect chose to wrap all facades seamlessly with new bricks, treating the walls as a “barrier” that shields the windows and balances the complex interior spaces with a unified exterior. Handmade bricks were laid using dry masonry, and subtle color variations enliven the continuous facade.
At night, the school emits a soft, peaceful glow from within, highlighting its role as a place of learning and practice.
From the surrounding taller apartment buildings, the roofs are covered with a deep blue synthetic turf, resembling a blue emblem that instantly draws attention to the music school, adding a vibrant splash of color to the heart of the site.
The outer “barrier” formed by the brick facade balances natural light by softly illuminating the interior spaces while providing privacy to each room. Inside, the architects softened the building’s originally austere exterior impression by creating bright, harmonious, and inviting spaces that appeal to younger audiences.
Through flexible circulation paths and thoughtful design emphasizing space quality, lighting, and materials, the building transforms into a welcoming and enjoyable environment.
This restoration project is characterized by restraint and introspection. It does not seek flashy appearances but rather restores the building’s role as a dignified center in the town, sparking curiosity and inviting people inside.
Design Drawings:
Site Plan
Floor Plan
Roof Plan
Elevation & Sectional View
Analysis Diagram
Analysis Diagram
Analysis Diagram
Project Information:
Architect: Opus 5 Architects
Address: 2 Allée du Théâtre, 78990 Élancourt, France
Category: Renovation Project
Building Area: 900 m²
Project Year: 2018
Photographer: Luc Boegly
Manufacturer: Wienerberger
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