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
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
























