HEI Schools Mauritius: A New Heritage Rehabilitation Project for Novaterra
Breathing new life into places steeped in history is a philosophy deeply rooted in Novaterra’s DNA — one it has demonstrated time and again over the years. The latest example? HEI Schools Mauritius, set to open its doors in September 2025 in Forbach. Let’s take a closer look.
When Rebecca Espitalier‑Noël presented her Finnish school project to Novaterra, the team was quickly won over by her approach, which blends pedagogy, personal development, and well‑being. From these discussions, an idea was born: to rehabilitate the Forbach longhouses, then in ruins, to create a green and peaceful setting conducive to children’s education.
As the young director searched for the perfect location in the North to bring her vision to life, Forbach quickly emerged as the ideal choice: easily accessible from the motorway, close to existing schools in the area, and set within an already lush property that radiates a special atmosphere. Philippe Lincoln, Head of Facilities & Assets at Novaterra, confirms:
“With 850 m² of ruins, large banyan trees, and a majestic tamarind tree… we immediately knew this was the perfect place to welcome children.”
In this serene environment, Novaterra’s teams set to work quickly, keeping to a tight schedule with the September 2025 opening in sight. Working alongside Architects Studio, a long‑standing collaborator on large‑scale projects such as The Strand offices and the Mahogany Shopping Promenade, they devised a plan that would preserve the historical character of the heritage site while enhancing its remarkable charm.
Today, nestled among large banyans, a tamarind tree, and frangipani trees, HEI Schools Mauritius is taking shape, with final touches underway before the school year begins. Preserving the existing nature by building around it, two new structures have been added around the tamarind tree to connect to the main school building. Transparent pergolas, allowing light to filter through, provide shelter from the elements. It is a space where nature accompanies every game children play and even their sweetest dreams.
From L’Aventure du Sucre (a former factory transformed into a museum) to the former foundry at the Creative Park (now the workshop‑boutique of jeweller Patrick Mavros), and Themis School (housed in the former administrator’s residence of the Bauhinias), Novaterra has a long track record in heritage rehabilitation. Its vision: to enhance existing assets while passing on the region’s rich heritage to future generations.
