Ilot de l'Octroi
In October 2016, the design team of MVRDV, ALL and Giboire were announced as the winners of the competition for the Ilot de l’Octroi project, a new residential development in Rennes, France.
As part of the Rennes 2030 urban project, the development aims to transform Octroi into a ‘green union’ between river pathways and the city centre.
The complex will cover 8,200 sq. m and consist of 135 dwellings, a combination of private residences and social housing.
All the apartments will include outdoor spaces with balconies facing the waterfront, loggias and terraces. The levels will be split so that no view is directly opposite another, and the vertical openings will amplify the developing height.
The multi-level facades were inspired by rock formations, combining different geometries, textures and colour gradations. They curve from river level to the roofs, with trees and vegetation at all levels, and a botanical garden on the second floor.
The intention is to create a community space in this increasingly popular neighbourhood of Rennes, as people move from the centre to the outer areas in greater numbers. A public square extending through steps along the riverbanks will create a space for dining and socialising.
The construction will start at the beginning of 2018 and will be finished in 2020.
Content and images courtesy of MVRDV.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.