Schools in Saint-Jean: Architects Present the Project

“An exemplary project that addresses contemporary educational challenges while incorporating the unique characteristics of the local area. ” This is the introduction to the presentation of the architectural project for the future Saint-Jean school complex by the Paris-based firm Bulle, Poirier, and Justman. The latter, acting as lead architect, worked closely with the firm Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes of Saint-Barthélemy to envision and design the structure that was selected by the Territorial Collectivity. This design features several changes from the initial relocation project, which was abandoned in January 2023 by the new majority (see box). First and foremost is an underground parking garage.
It will include 98 spaces as well as areas for parking two-wheeled vehicles. “The parking garage will operate in tandem with the stadium’s and Les Mangliers’ garages,” notes Jérémie Ghezzi. But only when it is not being used by the facility’s staff. Additionally, the future development has been designed with a pump system to drain water in the event of flooding.

Centered around landscaped courtyards
“The entire concept of the project is intended to be simple and rational,” explains Jérémie Ghezzi. Covering an area of 3,466 square meters, the buildings will house preschool and elementary classrooms, an administrative hub, a resource center, and a dining hall (the school cafeteria will remain in Gustavia), all arranged around green patios within a complex that the architects envisioned as “flexible, efficient, and functional” and “inspired by the wisdom of our ancestors to create ideal conditions.”
Thus, the layout of the buildings takes into account the terrain, wind orientation, sunlight, and natural hazards. The structure was designed to promote airflow through natural ventilation spaces, particularly in the classrooms. “The goal is not to be dependent on air conditioning, even though it will be present,” notes Yannick Bruneau.

A solar power generation unit
In addition, a “large solar array” will provide the school complex with a small solar power generation unit that will also benefit the island during periods of high energy consumption, such as when the school is closed (for example, during Christmas break). This system is still in the planning phase.
In terms of its operation, the future school complex will be divided into two distinct educational sections: the preschool, in a smaller space, and the elementary school. The latter will feature a large playground and an imposing covered courtyard designed to facilitate natural ventilation.

A cocoon
In terms of building materials, Jérémie Ghezzi and Yannick Bruneau emphasize the predominance of wood, “which is an integral part of the concept.” Much of this wood is expected to come from French Guiana. “To support a French territory while also reducing carbon costs,” explains Jérémie Ghezzi. “A study is underway in this regard, and a call for bids will be issued.”
While the project’s architecture aims to be contemporary, it will also be marked by tradition. Drawing inspiration from the weaving of the latanier palm, for example. “It’s found in many details,” the architects assure us. “Usually, a school tends to be open to the outside. Here, we’ve created a cocoon around the patios, with a microclimate.”
A drop-off zone for students will be established in front of the school’s entrance. However, it will be reserved for school buses. Parents will need to park their vehicles in the stadium parking lot—which is slated for redevelopment—before accompanying their children, or they may park in the underground garage. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting tank has been added to the initial plan. Furthermore, an environmental study is currently underway. When it was launched under the previous administration, the project for the new school complex in Saint-Jean was estimated at just over twenty million euros. This total cost is now estimated at 28 million euros in the 2026 initial budget, with a construction period of five years.