Dezeen Magazine

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine base boasts climate-controlled atrium filled with gardens

An old submarine base in Bordeaux provided the site for this docklands housing complex by Agence Nicolas Michelin & Associés, where homes and gardens are arranged on either side of a glazed atrium (+ slideshow).

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

The project is located in the French city's Les Bassins à Flot district, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 because of its maritime and manufacturing history.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

The port area is home to a former submarine bunker, locks, silos, docks and warehouses. Paris-based Agence Nicolas Michelin & Associés was tasked with transforming a block in the distinctive neighbourhood to create both private and social housing.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Existing properties and public amenities around the development were preserved wherever possible, and the new buildings were positioned perpendicular to the port area to retain access and views towards the docks.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

"The overarching goal of the urban planning project was to piece together a mixed block where buildings for collective housing would share space with nearby facilities and buildings that maintained their existing activities, or created others," said a statement from the architects.

The development comprises two apartment buildings, positioned along either side of a shared atrium.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

The first building contains 149 social-housing units, together with trade workshops, while the other incorporates 196 privately owned apartments and units occupied by businesses.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Simulating the existing industrial architecture in the neighbourhood, the buildings feature corrugated metal cladding and saw-toothed roof profiles reminiscent of warehouses. There is also a small tower at one end of the complex.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Parking is accommodated on the ground floor, with the first-floor platform above housing atria that extend the full length of the buildings. Shared reception areas open onto the central spaces, where small gardens are divided up by pathways.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

The atria are completely enclosed and feature glazing on the north-facing surfaces of the roofs and solar panels facing south. Natural ventilation is facilitated by manually operated vents in the glazed surfaces.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

"Covering this central area makes it possible to have considerable energy input," the architects added. "Indeed, the atrium becomes a controlled inter-climate space enhancing the interior comfort level all year round."

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

The gardens contain a variety of plants selected specifically for this environment, which has a climate resembling that of temperate or oceanic regions. Mulch is incorporated between the plants to reduce the amount of watering required.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Taller plants are positioned close to the central walkway, where the depth of the soil is also greater to give them space to grow. "The plants are smaller in size as they approach the walls, changing from an underbrush effect to that of a moor at the edge of the buildings," the project team explained.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Internal balconies cantilever into the atria from the upper storeys of the some residences, while bridges traversing the spaces connect walkways providing access to units on either side.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine

Square windows punctuate the highest part of the atria above the rooflines of the apartments to provide additional natural light to the central area.

Photography is by Cyrille Weiner.

Housing at old Bordeaux submarine
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Housing at old Bordeaux submarine
First floor plan – click for larger image
Housing at old Bordeaux submarine
Third floor plan – click for larger image
Housing at old Bordeaux submarine
Cross section – click for larger image
Housing at old Bordeaux submarine
Long section – click for larger image