Soil De-sealing & Reforestation

Location

Chambery, France

Area

320 m²

The Concept

How can we adapt our schoolyards and urban public spaces to heatwaves? This project explores the targeted de-sealing of sterile asphalt surfaces. By freeing the soil and introducing large shade trees, we restore the natural water cycle and create real cool havens for children and city dwellers.

What this project explores

Schoolyard de-sealing and creation of cool havens
Planting shade trees and reactivating soil biodiversity
Direct stormwater infiltration on-site

"Transforming an asphalted schoolyard into an urban forest means offering children shelter from heatwaves and letting the earth breathe again."

SCHOOLYARD DEPAVING PRINCIPLE

Mineral Yard (Before)

40°

30°

20°

42°CStifling Heat

Direct solar radiation

Solar rays hit the dark mineral surface directly without any vegetative barrier.

Thermal bounce & reverberation

Dark asphalt absorbs heat and reflects remaining radiation directly onto the school walls.

Urban heat island (asphalt)

The yard traps heat during the day and releases it at night, creating continuous overheating.

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