The National Sports Center of Defense in the heart of the exceptional site of the Fontainebleau forest was renovated and extended by ADIM Paris Ile-de-France, within the framework of a 30-year long Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense. The guiding principle of this project was its thoughtful insertion into the surrounding site of the Fontainebleau forest in order to give it a strong identity that respects local biodiversity.

The works, carried out on a busy site, included the rehabilitation of 5 accommodation buildings, the construction of 2 sports halls and a large artificial climbing wall, an office building and a reception house of a surface totaling 40,000 m² or only 7% of building on the available space. On the other hand, each carried out development is thought in the optics to enhance the surrounding site. The project thus reflects on the protection and conservation of existing flora and fauna, soil protection, stormwater management on the plot, recycling of materials and the rational use of the available space on the site. site.

Thespecificities of this renovation project and conservation of the environmental heritage are as follows:

•  Insertion of premises in the unique and exceptional environment of the forest of Fontainebleau in the constant respect of biodiversity and the site through a study convention with the National Museum of Natural History
• Development of the site in the spirit of a large clearing with facilities and living spaces concentrated in the heart and a minimum of built spaces. The project shows the strong desire to build a place of reference in terms of environmental and landscape quality
• Providing the Ministry of Defense with a complete package of services including the management of green spaces
• Support for the opening of the site to the public in a pleasant and green setting outside the slots reserved for the military

Certifications : 

• HQE® (Offices), 
• PEQA (sports areas), 
• PH&E (certification for accommodation and approach for housing)

Labels : 

• BBC Energie Neuf (tertiary buildings), 
• THPE (sports equipment) 
• and BBC Renovation (housing)

The cost of this global project is 45 million euros and the cost of green space is 981,000 euros. Given the unique site that hosts the project, the sustainable development approach does not represent a major part of the financial investment but above all a permanent involvement and adaptation in synergy with all stakeholders.

Sustainable development approach of the project owner

The site of the Fontainebleau forest, where ADIM Paris Ile-de-France proposed a real strategy to respect the site via a convention of study with the National Museum of Natural History, is classified Natura 2000. The expertise of the Museum has been used in the dynamics of preservation of local fauna species, surrounding flora and the development of a sustainable life.

Faced with the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Fontainebleau forest, the actors have led a policy of sustainable development from the design stage, and at all levels, minimizing the impact of the operation and promoting respect and inclusion. surrounding biodiversity in the development project. Many approaches have been made, both in design (design of the VRD to minimize the impact on the roots, choice of lighting to avoid nocturnal light pollution, reintroduction of certain species, measures to prevent the proliferation of invasive species ... ...) that on site (strong awareness, numerous specific audits with the Museum, phasing of the specific site not to disturb the cycles of reproduction / hibernation of local populations) that in operation with many recommendations tailored or even differentiated management so to perpetuate our actions.

The project has also implemented a triple environmental certification (HQE®, PH&E and PEQA) to respond to the diversity of uses.

Finally, the real highlight of this project was the partnership we have especially initiated with the National Museum of Natural History, in order to better understand the issues related to the exceptional Biodiversity present on the site (forest and fountain area Natura 2000).

Architectural description

The main axis of the architectural approach is to limit the dispersion of the buildings, to restructure the site and to highlight its intrinsic qualities by giving a large place to the forest atmosphere. The desire to include this project in this perspective results in the implementation of the following actions:

• Integration of buildings in the site and the forest landscape:

The height of the trees conditions the architectural writing and the design of the buildings by limiting their height so that they do not emerge from the forest. The architects also cleared the campus to reduce the footprint of the building and develop landscaped land reserves to find a clear atmosphere and a forest heart atmosphere. Only a small proportion of the site is built and the boundaries between activities are redesigned. The site offers beautiful clearings on the edges of the adjacent forest, and undergrowth areas planted mainly with species typical of the forest are developed. The wooded areas are densified, new copses created, and planted valleys make it possible to store the runoff water and to create tree masses. The living areas are also embellished with tall trees.

Less than 3% of existing trees on site are felled and 500 new trees are planted.

• Preservation of existing biodiversity and respect of the life cycle of the different species:

Throughout the construction phase, local biodiversity impact studies are conducted and the work is phased according to the life cycles of the species present. Thus, during demolitions, the life cycle of animals in the undergrowth (nesting period) is scrupulously respected and the buildings are demolished only over the period possible without nuisance is from August to September. Areas of green space with differentiated management are also created. These "high meadows" have a landscape quality and reduce the number of mowing to enhance the natural appearance. Planted species can be used to control invasive plants present on site. Finally, equipment such as outdoor lighting, are completely modified to avoid light pollution and direct the flow only to pedestrian paths.

• Mobility:

The use of gentle movements is favored by the presence of a pedestrian mall.