The project consists of the energy-efficient renovation and extension (100 m²) of the children’s activity and recreation center in the town of Challuy.

Following the bio-sourced approach adopted by the firm in 2002 and after a contextual study of local resources, the extension project focused on a raw earth construction using the cob technique (clay and compacted straw). The excavated earth was sourced from a site 500 meters away, along with locally sourced straw bales.

Furthermore, the architect/Town of Challuy team undertook a participatory construction project for the cob walls, led by Emmaüs Terre. This project allowed around fifty people, including many architecture students, to learn the cob technique.

This project’s implementation resulted from multiple factors, including a shared commitment among project stakeholders, training and awareness-raising efforts regarding raw earth construction, a favorable local context, a fair pricing approach and consideration of the human element, particularly through the participatory and educational construction site. Everyone learned from each other in a relaxed atmosphere.