Pôle Enfance, Brains, France

The Pôle Enfance is located in Brains, Loire-Atlantique, France, and was developed as a children’s and youth centre for the Municipality of Brains. Designed by Agence Drodelot Architectes and completed in 2018, the building complements an existing school complex. With a gross floor area of approximately 850 m² and construction costs of around €1.4 million net, the new single-storey building brings together several functions within a clearly structured layout.

A place for children and young people in the public realm

The architecture is calm and blends into the public context. The façades are formed by precast concrete elements with textured surfaces. The concrete finish was created using the RECKLI formliner Friesland, whose fine, regular texture gives the concrete depth and produces a subtle interplay of light and shadow. The textured concrete surface supports a durable and robust construction, meeting the demands of an intensively used public building.

Functional spaces for care and leisure

The internal organisation of the building is designed for straightforward use and clear operational processes. Short circulation routes, legible transitions between interior and exterior spaces and generous openings create bright rooms with a high level of comfort for children and young people. Direct access to covered outdoor areas allows for movement, play and outdoor activities, supporting the daily operation of the children’s and youth centre.