Through discussions with Montpellier’s equipment company, ZAC’s chief architect, and Pragma’s founder Jean Nouvel, it was revealed that the residential building “I-Park,” located opposite Montpellier’s new city hall, is an eight-story, highly adaptable multi-story structure.
This apartment complex is a layered, multifaceted entity that serves as a precursor to urban architecture at the intersection of the site and the street. Adjacent to the project is a public park, offering residents unobstructed views of the river and its banks. This landscape buffer also ensures a comfortable separation between public and private spaces.
The building’s base is constructed from stamped concrete, while the main body features a cohesive facade. The double-layered skin enables the facade to adapt dynamically to environmental conditions from all directions, responding to both direct and reflected elements. This facade is part of a distinctive urban design, emerging from the interaction of three interconnected buildings to form a vibrant whole.
Facing the park, the facade designed by Lez confronts the challenge of framing the park’s views while seamlessly integrating the building into its surroundings. A dialogue is established between a verdant plant facade and a reflective surface, where greenery is projected onto the urban fabric.
The project’s uniqueness stems from a strong commitment to researching and experimenting with living conditions in the Mediterranean climate. The vegetative facade was developed through advanced research, allowing collaboration with experts to realize this innovative architectural prototype.
Project Drawings
▲ Plan View
▲ Plan View
▲ South Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ Section B-B
Project Information
Project Type: Apartment
Location: Montfeuille, France
Architectural Firm: NBJ Architects
Area: 4,000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Paul Kozlowski
Lead Architects: Elodie Nourrigat & Jacques Brion
Client: Pragma
Structural Engineer: CALDER
Thermal Consultant: DURAND
Safety Consultant: APAVE
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