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.

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