Builders Engineering School has inaugurated the start of the renovation and extension work on its Normandy campus.

This event provided an opportunity to present the project's objectives and the selected companies. Completion of the work is scheduled for September 2028.

BUILDERS Engineering School is transforming its Normandy campus to meet the challenges of the 21st century

BUILDERS School of Engineering, a pioneering institution in training for sustainable construction professions, announces the launch of an ambitious renovation and expansion project for its campus located in Épron, near Caen. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation and ecological transition, this project aims to modernize existing infrastructure while creating new educational and collaborative spaces. It is 50% funded by the Normandy Region and with a contribution from the CCCABTP, for a total budget of €16 million (including VAT).

A campus that envisions a new, intelligent and responsible approach to learning

The Épron campus had already undergone a first expansion in 2015, which allowed the institution to double its surface area. With this project, BUILDERS Engineering School aims to "invent the campus of tomorrow."

To meet the growing demand for engineers in the construction industry, BUILDERS has embarked on a growth strategy not only at its Normandy campus in Épron, but also at its campus in Vaulx-en-Velin, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Through these two real estate projects, BUILDERS aims to demonstrate its commitment by constructing exemplary buildings in terms of energy consumption and carbon footprint—true showcases of sustainable construction. These projects are part of a formal application to the CCCA BTP's "Innovative Investment" program, which aims to finance the real estate projects in Caen and Vaulx-en-Velin under the banner "Building the Future."

The "Building the Future" project (Learning Towards an Innovative, Intelligent and Responsible Environment), co-financed by the CCCA-BTP, places BUILDERS Engineering School at the forefront of the ecological transition and sustainable development with the ambition of offering its students a demonstrative environment, conducive to learning and innovation, around three major challenges:

The Normandy and AURA campuses will become benchmarks in ecological transition, aiming for demanding certifications and labels (E3C2 level) on energy consumption, carbon footprint and the use of bio-based and recycled materials.

Beyond their environmental performance, these spaces will be designed as true living areas: modular, collaborative, and welcoming. They will encourage interaction between students, individual or group work, and offer seamless transitions between learning, relaxation, and work zones, for an immersive and inspiring experience.

The training spaces will be designed to adapt in real time to the needs of trainers and learners, thus encouraging pedagogical agility.

Living labs will enrich the teaching, making science accessible and concrete for all, and illustrating the challenges of tomorrow.

To streamline the learning pathways, BUILDERS School of Engineering will strengthen its ties with neighboring training organizations (levels 3, 4, and 5). Joint activities will be organized in the new buildings, creating synergies between all training stakeholders.

Exemplary facilities to accommodate 1200 students by 2030

This new project features a 3.200 m² extension, including an atrium, an expanded student residence with a multi-sports hall, administrative offices, support functions, teaching facilities, and research and development spaces, including a 570 m² "Living Lab." Certified E3C2, the building will be designed for low energy consumption (E3) and low carbon emissions (C2): it promotes the ecological transition and utilizes bio-based materials (timber frame, straw insulation, cob) with the Level 2 bio-based building label and recycled materials, as well as photovoltaic panels, in compliance with the RE2020 standard. It will be heated by the district heating network. Equipped with 520 m² of photovoltaic panels, including 150 m² on the building's facade, the facility aims for energy efficiency with a 60% reduction in consumption compared to the existing building.

The project management is handled by the firm L2 Architectes of Hérouville Saint-Clair (14), which designed the project in collaboration with TJ ARCHI (Lyon), EGIS for the technical design office and BIM, and ORFEA for the acoustics. This project embodies BUILDERS' commitment to training engineers capable of designing and building a more sustainable world. Currently, the campus hosts 800 students and 75 employees. Thanks to this new extension, the Normandy campus plans to accommodate 1200 students and around 100 employees by 2030.

The selected companies

The selected companies will each work within their respective areas of expertise: LEGENDRE will handle the structural work, MICARD will ensure waterproofing, SMAC will install the cladding, and SV MIROITERIE will install the exterior joinery. SNM will take care of the locksmithing and metalwork, while HUBERT MENUISERIE will handle the interior joinery and ceilings. CRLC and LC SOLS will install the flooring, PIERRE will carry out the painting, CELFY will install the plumbing, and EIFFAGE ENERGIE will handle the electrical work. MASSELOTTO will carry out the earthworks and external utilities, OTIS will install the elevators, LAMOUR will install the photovoltaic panels on the facade, and finally, CLEAN PAYSAGE will landscape the green spaces. Many of these companies are part of the regional economic fabric and have mobilized to participate.

A playground for the learners of BUILDERS School of Engineering

By building upon the construction of exemplary new buildings in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and technology, these projects will also serve as learning environments, thanks to inclusion clauses that allow apprentices to actively participate in the design, construction, and operation of the buildings. The overall objective is to provide apprentices with an innovative educational tool, featuring modernized classrooms, state-of-the-art equipment, and new practical workspaces. The school aims to offer apprentices a modern work environment, involve them in construction projects, create innovative and environmentally friendly buildings, and improve their comfort and well-being, all while strengthening ties within the institution.

According to Hervé Morin, President of the Normandy Region: “Since 2016, the Region has dedicated over €717 million to Higher Education, including €97 million by 2025. The Normandy Region is the local authority making the greatest effort in higher education and research, even though this is not its primary responsibility. This investment represents between €25 and €30 per year per inhabitant, compared to €15 per inhabitant per year for other French regions. The Normandy Region has consistently supported BUILDERS Engineering School. The quality of its teaching and its reputation have always ensured excellent career placement for its students. This new expansion will allow us to support the growth in student numbers and the skills needs of businesses.” Beyond supporting the school's real estate, we have allocated €8 million since 2016 to BUILDERS for its development projects related to transforming training programs, international development, disseminating scientific culture, and its academic research and innovation projects with businesses.

According to Ludovick LEFEEBVE, President of CCCA-BTP: “CCCA-BTP is proud to be a partner in the renovation and expansion of the Builders School of Engineering's Normandy campus. This structuring project fully illustrates our commitment to supporting training organizations in promoting educational innovation and the quality of the learning and training provided to apprentices. Thanks to its co-financing of nearly €4,2 million through the "Innovative Investments" call for projects, CCCA-BTP is helping to create an immersive, technological, and sustainable training environment, perfectly aligned with the major transitions in the construction industry and the challenges it faces. For our sector, this is a concrete and strategic investment in developing the skills and talents of tomorrow.”

According to Philippe GRUAT, President of BUILDERS Engineering School: "This project embodies BUILDERS Engineering School's commitment to serving its students, to the act of building sustainably, and beyond, to society."