Following a construction schedule that began in July 2025 – with a strategic pause in June 2026 for the baccalauréat exams before wrapping up in late August 2026 – Monaco’s historic Lycée Albert 1er has emerged from a comprehensive structural and energy renovation.
The modernised establishment was revealed during a press visit on Friday 4th September, guided by Anthony de Sevelinges, the Director of Public Buildings in Monaco.
What began as a focused environmental upgrade evolved into a holistic transformation of the 4 Place de la Visitation establishment, balancing strict Mediterranean sustainability standards with the preservation of its architectural heritage.
Deep decarbonisation and renewable energy
The most striking engineering achievement is the complete elimination of gas across the entire building, including the kitchens. Ageing gas boilers were replaced by ten high-efficiency heat pumps generating a total capacity of 460 kW, slashing annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 61 tonnes. Domestic hot water is now supplied by an innovative CO2 heat pump, while rooftop infrastructure has been entirely re-engineered. A new technical room houses the climate control systems with enhanced acoustic baffling, sitting alongside 250 square metres of photovoltaic panels for local renewable electricity generation.
“The basic principle of this operation was primarily to eliminate fossil fuels, as this was one of the last buildings that still used gas. So, we created a 200-square-metre plant room with 10 heat pumps that provide both air conditioning and heating. There was also a particular focus regarding the neighbourhood, since the National Council is right next door. Therefore, a very technical study was carried out to truly minimise the acoustics,” said Sevelinges during the press visit.
Furthermore, extensive terrace spaces underwent complete waterproofing, thermal insulation, and high-reflectivity finishing, creating bright, protected outdoor areas allowing students to take their breaks in full comfort.
Climate adaptation and water conservation
Designed under the Bâtiments Durables Méditerranéens de Monaco (BD2M) framework, the renovation rigorously targets resource efficiency and thermal comfort. The building envelope features thousands of square metres of exterior and interior wood-fibre insulation, paired with hundreds of replaced external joineries using recycled aluminium and high-performance double glazing that filters 70% of solar energy. Water management was similarly overhauled, notably converting the central courtyard basin into a closed-circuit system that eliminates a daily water wastage of nine cubic metres. Existing greenery was preserved and paired with automatic irrigation fed by new rainwater recovery tanks.
Classroom comfort and modernised facilities
Learning environments received widespread upgrades focusing on air quality, acoustics, and digital integration. Classrooms now benefit from double-flow ventilation, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and enhanced internal insulation. Acoustic comfort was reinforced throughout, while automated systems manage lighting and consumption with weekend cut-offs. Modernised classrooms are now equipped with interactive digital screens, renewed furniture, and bright LED fixtures.
“In the Documentation and Information Centre it’s mostly the acoustic aspect that has been updated. In fact, we changed the flooring, the false ceiling as well, and we also installed a wall mounting bracket to allow better sound insulation and comfort for students studying in the space,” explained Sevelinges.
Catering and exterior spaces
The student refectory, overseen by architect Jérôme Hein, features a completely modernised layout with new flooring, furniture, a dedicated cafeteria space, and acoustic ceiling baffles designed by Olivier Deverini to absorb dining hall noise. Kitchens transitioned entirely to electric cooking appliances.
Externally, the school grounds received renovated courtyards, repaired asphalt, and restored seating, successfully updating the historic educational facility for generations of Monégasque students.
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Prince Albert II visiting the renovated Lycée Albert 1er. Main photo credit: Michael Alesi