House of Nature and the Environment

Champlan, a commune with less than 3,000 inhabitants and an area of 368 hectares, is located 18 kilometres from Paris and 8 kilometres from Morangis, the headquarters of VELUX France. The house has been designed as an educational and commu- nity space within the public and urban gardens of Champlan. It aims to change people’s perception of nature, promote environmentally friendly practices and preserve local biodiversity through educational and and community activities.

Project Description
The House is constructed on municipal land as part of a larger reclassification operation, including allotment gardens, educational vegetable gardens, and orchards. Built following ecological building principles, the wooden chalet serves multiple purposes:

Educational Activities: Gardening and cookery workshops to teach sustainable gardening practices and reduce waste.

Thematic Exhibitions: Covering environmental issues, solutions and moderation of the footprint of human activity, such as agroecology, agroforestry, permaculture…

Community Events: Events such as plant bartering to foster community interaction and biodiversity.
Storage and Facilities: Space for gardening equipment and the apiary school.

The project was initially launched with the building permit granted but was halted due to COVID and the significant increase in the cost of wooden materials. The proposal for the municipality’s candidacy was made by a VELUX France employee who has been living in Champlan for many years. Once selected, a local team of ten employees supported the project for over a year, acting as a liaison between the town hall and the foundation.

Impact and Perspectives
The House represents a significant advancement for the commune and its residents, but also for the broader Paris-Saclay community, which includes over 300,000 inhabitants. In the long term, the House aspires to become a model for other communes and inspire similar initiatives across France.

VELUX France employees can enjoy the facility during internal events or leisurely visits.

The House of Nature and the Environment is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the community’s commitment to nature conservation and biodiversity promotion. Thanks to the support of the Foundation and the determination of the Champlan municipal team, this ambitious project has come to life and promises to play a crucial role in environmental education and awareness for years to come.

Project name: Wooden Chalet in Champlan 
Country, location: France, Champlan 
Applicant: Champlan Municipality 
VKR Group company: VELUX France, Morangis 
Inauguration day: 22 April 2024