EHPAD La Résidence de la Pévèle in Cysoing is the first passive and low-carbon nursing home in France and an excellent example of how mass timber is effectively applied in a healthcare setting. Inside, the use of wood continues with wooden floors and furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the residents.

Designed to provide a comfortable and sustainable living environment for its residents the EHPAD includes 88 rooms spread over two floors, with specialized units for Alzheimer's patients. The total area of the building is over 5,000 square meters.

The design by Go Architects emphasizes the use of natural materials, particularly wood, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the most significant aspects of this project is the extensive use of cross-laminated timber (CLT). The ground floor, stairwells, and elevators are constructed with concrete, while the upper floors and rooms are made of prefabricated Sylva™ CLT Walls Floors and Roofs. This hybrid construction method required careful coordination to ensure structural integrity and compatibility between the different materials.

CLT is a renewable resource, and its production has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials like concrete and steel.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of EHPAD La Résidence de la Pévèle by Go Architects incorporates natural materials and colours to create a soothing and homely environment. The exterior facade features wood cladding, which not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its thermal performance.

The design team used  Stora Enso's Building Information Modeling (BIM) Library an intelligent, participatory work process using 3D digital models.

Integration of Prefabricated Elements

To further enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the construction process, the project includes prefabricated bathrooms. These High Added Value (HVA) Concept bathrooms are manufactured off-site and then delivered to the construction site for installation. 

Energy Efficiency

Buildings constructed with CLT have excellent thermal insulation properties, which helps in reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. This contributes to the building's passive house certification, ensuring high energy performance.

Environmental Certifications

EHPAD La Résidence de la Pévèle has received multiple environmental certifications:

Passivhaus: This German certification is awarded to buildings that achieve high energy efficiency through superior insulation, airtightness, and the use of renewable energy sources

NF HABITAT HQE: This French certification attests to the building's performance in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, health, and comfort

E+C-: This certification focuses on positive energy and carbon reduction, with the building achieving level E3C1