MVRDV designs rennes residential complex with façades that reference rock formations

MVRDV has won a competition to design a new residential complex in rennes, france. the buildings feature multi-level curved façades that reference rock formations — playing with geometry, color, and material. the project intends to positively contribute to the transformation of the city, with the ambition of creating a socially cohesive riverside community.

the buildings feature multi-level curved façades that reference rock formations
image © l’autre image (also main image)

working alongside the architects at ALL and giboire, MVRDV was selected to design ‘ilot de l’octroi’ by the mayor of rennes, nathalie appéré. a recent shift in population moving from the city center has resulted in more dense suburban developments, intended to prevent encroachment into the protected countryside. in turn, this has increased the demand for more sustainable and affordable housing communities.

the 8,200 square meter complex contains a mix of private residences and social housing
image © l’autre image

the 8,200 square meter complex consists of 135 dwellings — a mix of private residences and social housing. all apartments have outdoor areas with balconies facing the waterfront, loggias, and terraces. these spaces are positioned on split levels so that no view is directly opposite another. the building’s distinct curved façades slope upwards from ground level, affording views of the city center.

the project’s formal development
images © MVRDV

‘the project is intentionally very open. open to the vilaine, open to the city and open towards nature,’ explains nathalie de vries, co-founder of MVRDV. ‘as part of the expansion of rennes, we designed a dense urban area that offers more public access to nature, private greens and fantastic views. densification only works when it comes with added qualities, and that is our ambition for these inhabitants.’

all apartments have outdoor space with balconies, loggias, and terraces
image © MVRDV

the design features an inviting roof top garden for residents, where a workshop and diverse botanical garden will also be located. the exterior façade comprises three different textures, with its gradations that resemble rock formations found in more natural landscapes. MVRDV sought to create a sense of cohesion with a defined volume, rather than smaller individual units. a public square extends along the riverbank, creating an area for dining and socializing.

trees and natural vegetation are included throughout the scheme
image © MVRDV

an integrated public square extends along the riverbank
image © MVRDV

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project info:

name: ilot de l’octroi
location: rennes, france
year: 2018 +
client: groupe giboire
budget: undisclosed
program and size: a residential complex of 8,200 sqm, retail and activities
design team: winy maas, jacob van rijs, nathalie de vries, bertrand schippan, mikaël pors, quentin rihoux, roxana aron, boris tikvarski, maxime cunin, jean-rémi houel, antoine muller, lisa bruch
co-architects: ALL
partners: franck bouttéconsultant and SNC lavalin

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