A French architecture studio have created a new dance school in Paris clad in a perforated metal veil that seems to change in appearance depending on the position of the sun.

Dance School Aurélie Dupont – named after the famous French ballet dancer who retired last year after 32 years at the Paris Opera – hosts ballet, classical and jazz classes and has been built as part of the redevelopment of the Joinville-le-Pont suburb.

“The challenge was to create an architectural event conveying a strong image, like a signal in the city,” said the building’s designers, Lankry Architectes, in a statement. “We did this by creating a building like a jewellery box. Our school is dressed in a skin formed of folded metal that plays with light and reflections.”

This skin, which is formed of folded diagonal patterns, covers all the building’s facade, and appears to flicker and change throughout the day. In contrast, the building’s interiors are mostly bare.

“The search for fluidity and clarity is reflected in the minimalist interiors and the choice of materials,” said the architects. “Concrete is left raw, while interior partitions are used minimally to make the most of the views and natural light.”

The school cost almost €2.5m (US$2.7m, £1.9m) to build, and the development was overseen by the City of Joinville-le-Pont. French firms MTC Ingenierie and Alternative Ingenerie Acoustique worked with Lankry on the project.

The opening follows the recent unveiling of a minimalist school and performing arts centre in Belfort, France, with walls covered with Jackson Pollock-inspired splatters of paint.