In Rouen, Blending the Past with the Present

Julien Tragin

Restructuring of the Former École Normale d’Institutrices in Rouen (France)

• Arquitectos

In Rouen, Blending the Past with the Present

In Rouen (Seine-Maritime), for MATMUT IMMOBILIER as the project owner, the

architectural firms CBA architectes and Espace Libre – landscaper completed in

September 2024 the spectacular transformation of the former École Normale

d’Institutrices into an open space with panoramic views over the city—a true "landscape building" in every sense.

photo_credit Julien Falsimagne — Julien Falsimagne

Architects often speak of designing "landscape buildings," while landscape designers pride themselves on creating "architectural landscapes." Rarely, however, do these two concepts merge as seamlessly as they do in the remarkable restructuring of Rouen’s former École Normale d’Institutrices (ENI).

Originally built by architect Lucien Lefort and inaugurated in 1887, the historic building has now been transformed into a 4-star hotel with 85 rooms and a business center oﬀering 8,000 m² of oﬃce space. More than that, CBA Architectes and Espace Libre – landscaper have orchestrated a stunning metamorphosis, opening up the site with breathtaking views over Rouen while infusing the entire neighborhood—and indeed the city itself—with a refreshing and inspiring new energy.

photo_credit Julien Tragin — Julien Tragin

While the building’s most emblematic elements have been carefully restored and

highlighted, the overarching architectural and landscape design goes beyond

preservation to embrace both memory and contemporary creation. By blending the past with the present, the dialogue between program and site, old and new forges a new identity, enriched with a contemporary genius loci. The facades, bell tower, clock, and carriage entrance have been meticulously restored, while the roof now features solar panels seamlessly integrated among the original slate tiles.

The architecture follows the natural topography of the terrain, with a play of elongated lines and folds that highlight the original school building. In this approach, the business center is subtly embedded horizontally into the slope, maintaining discretion in relation to the historic structure and neighboring constructions. Its vast central atrium floods the surrounding oﬃce spaces with natural light, while generous staircases and walkways create a dynamic circulation throughout.

Inside the hotel, the existing spatial qualities—notably the high ceilings in the rooms—have been preserved. The interiors draw inspiration from the aesthetic and functional rigor of the school’s former teachers, seamlessly blending history and modern comfort.

photo_credit François Guillemin — François Guillemin

The hotel’s extension, housing its shared spaces, is designed as a horizontal ribbon-like structure, appearing to be embedded like a blade into the existing building’s foundations.

photo_credit CELESTE DRONE — CELESTE DRONE

To preserve the integrity of the site, the 187-space parking facility has been placed

underground. This sensitive, compact, and discreet design has freed up space for a “Garden of Works” at the heart of the project, as well as the creation of a vast urban park below. This new green space features a series of terraced landscapes, skillfully combining mineral and vegetal elements.Through architecture and landscape, this project is ultimately about regeneration—a word that perfectly captures the site's remarkable and unexpected rebirth. Once an emblematic landmark of the Rouen Metropolis, it has now become a belvedere, a meeting point for diverse audiences, and a true place of memory.