International House of Cosmetics
Chartres, France
Chartres Métropole
Cosmetic Valley
Architect: WILMOTTE & ASSOCIÉS ARCHITECTES
Fluids: OTE
Design–Build: BBCSO – Bouygues Bâtiment Centre Sud-Ouest
Environment: EODD
Acoustic: Peutz
Engineering: Eiffage Énergie Systèmes
3 900 sqm
2028
Renovation and extension of a former school in the heart of Chartres to host the future International House of Cosmetics
In the heart of Chartres, the future International House of Cosmetics is the focus of an ambitious project. The aim is to restore coherence to the site of the former Jean Moulin school while enhancing its value, and to create a contemporary facility imbued with meaning—reflecting the excellence of French cosmetics.
The diversity of the existing buildings, from different periods and architectural styles, currently makes the ensemble difficult to read, both from the public realm and in its internal use. The project therefore seeks a profound transformation of the site, restoring coherence, clarity, and urban quality.
The demolition of two buildings opens up a major visual perspective toward Chartres Cathedral and allows for the construction of a new building composed of three volumes, better suited both functionally and architecturally.
The materiality of the building, clad in opaline and translucent glass fins, subtly evokes the world of the cosmetic bottle—a direct nod to the site’s future vocation. The roofs are finished in pre-patinated zinc, and the structure is largely made of timber in order to reduce the project’s environmental footprint.
