Due to rising student numbers, the city of Nantes commissioned a new primary school built using timber‑modular construction. Biobased and recycled materials were used throughout. Sun protection is provided by WAREMA external venetian blinds. The emergency‑exit windows are additionally equipped with the WAREMA SecuKit.

The compact building was erected on a 4,900 m² former parking lot. Designed by forma6, it comprises three full storeys and a setback top floor, as well as green courtyards and sports areas. On 2,315 m², 230 children attend classes in three preschool and five primary school groups. Smaller ancillary buildings house technical facilities. Asphalt‑free yards with lawn and wood‑chip surfaces foster play, inclusion, and child‑friendly learning.

For the city of Nantes, École Alice Milliat stands as a prime example of the school of tomorrow.

Timber‑element construction with its prefabricated wall and ceiling panels made a fast, efficient building process possible, ensuring short construction times and reducing noise from the building site. The structure is a mixed metal‑and‑timber design with prefabricated wood‑frame façades that can carry an independent cladding. For the build, Douglas fir was used for the structural elements and core‑treated, pre‑weathered spruce for the façade cladding.

The timber walls as well as internal partitions, ceiling panels and stairs made of cross‑laminated timber (CLT) were prefabricated at the OBM Constructions plant and assembled on site. Wood‑fibre boards and insulation panels based on recycled cotton provide effective thermal and acoustic insulation.

At École Alice Milliat, the developers chose WAREMA external venetian blinds. On 60 windows, basic venetian blinds were discreetly integrated into the timber frame façade. The guide rail system ensures effective glare and heat protection while maximising natural daylight.

To preserve the building’s demountability, the venetian blinds are controlled wirelessly using the WMS system, avoiding complex cabling. Smart WMS sensors detect brightness and weather conditions, enabling fully automated control. Manual operation is also possible via WMS wall transmitters.

Even emergency-exit windows can be shaded without blocking escape routes. The solution: WAREMA SecuKit. This cost-effective safety feature allows the blinds to be pushed up manually with ease. The bottom rail locks into place at a predefined height in the side guides.

All emergency exits equipped with the WAREMA SecuKit are also marked with red stickers on the glazing. Together with the end rails of the venetian blinds in signal red (RAL 3020), this ensures escape routes are quickly and clearly identifiable—especially when every second counts.

  • Project: École Alice Milliat
  • Location: 72 Rue des Bourdonnières, 44200 Nantes/FR
  • Client: City of Nantes
  • Use: Primary school and preschool
  • Architecture: forma6 SCOP d’architecture, Nantes
  • Certification: HQE Haute Qualité Environnementale
  • Product implementation: Emys Sodiclair, Nazelles-Négron, France
  • Completion: 2024
  • Solar shading: WAREMA basic external venetian blinds E 80 A6 S, RAL 9006 white aluminium matt; WAREMA basic external venetian blinds with SecuKit
  • Control system: WAREMA WMS radio control: WMS Weather station plus, WMS Weather station eco, WMS Wall transmitter basic, WMS Wall transmitter plus, WMS Plug-in receiver