MVRDV, in collaboration with co-architect ALL, completed the Ascension Landscape Residential Complex for real estate developer Groupe Giboire. This residential development is situated at the confluence of two rivers on the western edge of Rennes, France. The 12-story complex spans 8,200 square meters and occupies a crucial transitional zone between Rennes’ city center and its outskirts.
Amid the city’s outward expansion, the project addresses the urgent need for increased residential density by offering 138 diverse housing units that vary in size and price. It also includes commercial spaces set within a green waterfront environment and inviting new public areas, featuring 37 social housing units.
In 2018, the French magazine L’Express named Rennes the most livable city in France. The opening of the TGV high-speed rail line in 2017 has further driven sustained population growth in the region. As a result, many historic buildings in the city center have shifted expansion pressure outward—either to surrounding neighborhoods or rural zones—or upwards, encouraging thoughtful densification.
The Ascension Landscape Residential Complex occupies a prominent location at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers, facing the Green Water Park in the Jardin de la Confluence. It marks the end of Mail François Mitterrand, now a pedestrian street. This prime site demands an exemplary architectural approach to accommodate the upward growth and densification required by the area.
The design draws inspiration from geological formations, featuring two curved buildings—one larger, one smaller—with gently receding slopes. Near the river, the complex offers low balconies to emphasize the expansive, low-rise riverside setting. Moving inward, the structure rises gradually to three peaks before reaching its maximum height of 12 floors at the center.
These terraced setbacks are adorned with flower pots filled with lush greenery, extending the riverside’s natural ambiance upwards to the apartments, all the way to the rooftop. At the larger building’s western corner, between the two peaks, a garden with fruit trees highlights the project’s commitment to green living.
The building’s facade features five shades of matte and glossy ceramic panels, reinforcing the geological inspiration behind the design. These panels are arranged in five layers: darker matte materials are placed near the ground, transitioning to lighter and glossier panels at the top. Additional lighting will be integrated into the upper ceramics to enhance this effect at night.
This approach creates a building that, despite its urban density, feels organically connected to its natural environment.
Every apartment in the Ascension Landscape Residential Complex includes private outdoor areas, such as terraces, balconies, or verandas. These spaces come equipped with custom flower pots, automatic irrigation systems, and dedicated faucets, allowing residents to easily maintain their own greenery.
The terraced design fosters a village-like atmosphere, encouraging neighbors to greet one another. The complex’s curved layout also defines a variety of public spaces on the ground level, including a green pedestrian street between the two buildings, a waterfront square leading to Le Bacchus, and restaurants and theaters nestled within the larger building’s curves.
The main entrance of the larger building features three striking wooden passageways that run through the structure, creating spacious gathering areas and providing access to a secluded garden behind the theater restaurant. Additionally, a renovated tax office is integrated into the urban plan at the complex entrance, blending architectural styles from three different periods in the public square.
The architects incorporated multiple strategies to ensure the project’s sustainability and social responsibility. By increasing urban density, the development reduces the need for expansion into surrounding natural landscapes.
The parking facilities include 210 square meters dedicated to bicycle parking, as well as exclusive spaces for freight bicycles and charging stations, encouraging eco-friendly commuting options. All 34 apartments in the smaller building meet passive energy standards, consuming significantly less energy than typical units.
Most apartments span two or three stories, featuring windows on multiple sides to promote cross ventilation and abundant natural light.
The Ascension Landscape Residential Complex offers a broad range of apartment types, including 37 social rental units and 42 affordable housing units. This ensures the project accommodates residents of all income levels and family sizes.
The public spaces are designed to a high standard and are open to all residents equally, regardless of the price or type of their apartment. With its lush green environment, waterfront location, and inviting outdoor spaces, the Ascension Landscape Residential Complex enhances the livability of Rennes and serves as a model for meeting the city’s current housing demands.
Project Drawings
△ Aerial view
△ First floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: MVRDV
Area: 10,550 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Ossip van Duivenpole
Manufacturer: AGROB BUCHTAL
Location: Rennes, France
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