RETROFITT completes the energy renovation of a school complex in northern France
The Belgian start-up BuildUp once again proves to be an international pioneer
BuildUp, the specialist in sustainable prefabricated construction for new builds and energy-efficient renovations, has been selected for a European Energiesprong project focused on school refurbishment. Thanks to its division Retrofitt, the company stepped in to carry out a climate-neutral renovation of several school buildings in Lille, northern France — and did so in record time: just two months for a total area of 2,000 m².
During the summer holidays, the buildings were upgraded with a climate envelope through the installation of prefabricated façades and rooftops. Like much of Europe’s residential real estate, many school buildings are in poor condition and fall short of current and future energy standards.
Belgium is facing a similar challenge. Modernizing this outdated building stock is essential to reach the climate targets of 2050.
A race against the clock
The project led by Retrofitt includes a school complex with five schools, a gymnasium, and two canteens — all set to become climate-neutral. In total, Retrofitt will renovate 9,000 m² of façades and roofs. The first part was completed during summer 2023, with the next phases scheduled for the summers of 2024 and 2025. One key challenge: all work must be completed before the start of the new school year to avoid disrupting students and staff.
Preserving architectural character of a school complex
BuildUp with its division Retrofitt is leading the project in collaboration with several local partners, including Lille-based architecture firm Face B. French heritage legislation requires school buildings to retain several elements of their original appearance. Together, BuildUp and Face B successfully reinterpreted the façade. As lead contractor, BuildUp is also working with engineering consultancies Energelio and Maning, contractor Dujardin, and Axima, which will manage energy performance and maintenance during the operational phase.
Retrofitt and Energiesprong : a perfect match
This is one of the first school renovation projects in France carried out under the European Energiesprong model, which equips schools with new roofs and walls through off-site energy renovation. Retrofitt is in charge of the sustainable prefabricated construction and installation of façades and rooftops. All materials used are bio-based and circular. More infos here.
BuildUp makes a name in energy renovation
Northern France has already paved the way by partnering with BuildUp for an earlier energy renovation project in Wattrelos, near Lille, where 160 social housing units became climate-neutral thanks to sustainable prefabricated construction.
Lille aims to become a low-carbon, sustainable city by 2050. With projects like these, it’s clearly moving in the right direction.
Hélène de Troostembergh, founder of BuildUp group : “Completing this project in such a short time was a huge challenge. There was zero room for error. The city of Lille wanted to preserve the architectural character of the buildings. We successfully reinterpreted the façade using the latest techniques and materials while maintaining the building’s original identity. Prefabricated construction allows great architectural freedom. It also offers 40 to 50% time savings compared to traditional worksites. One single trip to the construction site is enough, and weather conditions don’t matter. When you consider that building sites are typically shut down for a month a year due to heat, cold, or rain — need I remind you of this year’s rainy summer? — the advantages become obvious.”
Clément Bisiaux, Project Manager and Architect at Face B : “We faced two major challenges with this project. First, delivering a thermally efficient building in terms of insulation, starting from an old structure. Second, creating a new façade as elegant as the original architectural design. Timing was another big issue: everything had to be done in a very short window. This energy renovation would not have been possible without prefabrication. We’re extremely happy with the result — it’s the product of true synergy between all partners. There’s simply no better solution for fast-track energy renovation.”
This pioneering project in France, as part of the Energiesprong initiative, paves the way for a new era of large-scale energy renovation—crucial to meeting the climate goals for 2050.