![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_01.jpg)
Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes
These photographs by Julien Lanoo show a French driving-test centre by Samuel Delmas Architectes, which is camouflaged to look like a fence.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_02.jpg)
Weathered rods of Corten steel surround the exterior of the Centre d'Examen du Permis, interrupted by black-framed box windows.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_04.jpg)
This screen provides solar shading for the glazed, prefabricated building while fences in the same material extend to either side.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_19.jpg)
Framed porches project from two sides of the centre to provide separate entrances for staff and the public.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_12.jpg)
The architects raised the building off the ground since the site in Gennevilliers, a suburb to the north-west of Paris, is prone to flooding.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_06.jpg)
More photography by Julien Lanoo on Dezeen »
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_07.jpg)
The following text is provided by the architects:
Ioclimatic approach
To build in an easily flooded zone, a friendly and a warm edifice in an HEQ way of thinking while assuring the safety of the site and the longevity of the project.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_09.jpg)
Site, brief and project
The project takes place along the boulevard. It is used as an acces filter for the tracks thanks to its openwork envelope.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_10.jpg)
The fence on the boulevard uses the facade system and improves its presence on the way while developping a kinetic effect when you are driving all along the building.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_11.jpg)
The building skin is constituted of vertical elements, made of strips of timber or metalic slats, regularly spaced according to their function.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_05a.jpg)
The envelope was made in order to solve all the constraints depending of the brief and of the site: solar protection, intimity, modularity of the building, prefabrication, anti-intervention, anti-vandal, environmental approach…
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_05.jpg)
Building & sustainable development
Simple and rigorous volumes allow the optimisation of the way of building, the rationalization of the structure, of the envelope and of the networks.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_03.jpg)
Implementation of windbreak hedges composed of local species with persistent foliage. Preservation of the existing vegetation. Development of a biodiversity in relation with the site (humid environment).
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_20.jpg)
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_28.gif)
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![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_21.jpg)
The drainage ditches allow to rid the water of pollution thanks to a system using plants.
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_24.jpg)
Brief examination center for driving licence + projection room + documentation + cafeteria + exhibition room + offices + tracks and parking
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_26.gif)
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Site location Gennevilliers 92, France
Contracting authority Ministère de l’écologie, du développement durable, des transports et du logement – DDE 92
Av B. Frachon 92 000 Nanterre 01 56 38 29 80
Project manager a+ samueldelmas
Net floor area 580 m²+23 000 m² landscaping
Construction costs 2 250 000 euros excl tax
Calendar – delivered in April 2011
Prize-winner of the competition
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_27.gif)
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Outside spaces delivered in May 2009
Building delivered in April 2011
+ very high-performance Energy
+ puits canadien (earth cooling tubes)
+ solar filter
![Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes Centre d'Examen du Permis by Samuel Delmas Architectes](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Centre-dExamen-du-permis-by-Samuel-Delmas_29.gif)
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