Nature meets architecture in Bordeaux’s new green development
MVRDV has unveiled La Vallée Verte, a revolutionary residential project in Bordeaux’s Bastide Niel district. The site features two contrasting designs seamlessly united under one roof, housing 70 homes across three blocks on the Quai des Queyries. While the serene exterior adheres strictly to local architectural guidelines, the interior surprises with an organic haven of terraces and lush vegetation, mimicking a natural formation amidst urbanity.
Pioneering sunlight allocation with the “suncut” method
The project is a brainchild of MVRDV’s suncut technique that meticulously assigns building volumes to ensure continuous sunlight while respecting neighbors’ views. This method fosters unique rooflines that nod to the historic urban profile while promoting equitable access to natural light. Spanning 144 plots, Bastide Niel invites designers to reinterpret these principles, leading to a diverse architectural tapestry.
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La Vallée Verte: Harmony of form and flora
MVRDV’s interpretation adheres to the suncut geometry, featuring smooth, light-grey ceramic tiles to mitigate heat absorption. From the street, the building appears disciplined. Within the triangular plot, however, the space is transformed into a verdant courtyard. Multilevel terraces adorned with diverse plant species create a lush, valley-like setting, reflecting biodiversity’s pinnacle in modern residential architecture.
Innovative maintenance through playful design
The design incorporates a unique solution for plant maintenance — dedicated routes for gardeners, featuring silhouette-shaped cutouts in structural walls. These artistic details, depicting a gardener’s outline, allow maintenance teams to access terraces seamlessly without disturbing residents, exemplifying functional elegance in architecture.
A shared sanctuary for community connection
Winy Maas of MVRDV describes the courtyard as an intimate, shared space connecting residents and visitors alike. Reflecting MVRDV’s philosophy of communal design, the space isn’t just an amenity but an active, engaging environment promoting interaction and a sense of shared ownership among inhabitants.
MVRDV
Sustainable innovation at its core
The project aligns with France’s EcoQuartier standards, incorporating district heating systems, solar panels, and flood-resistant landscapes. The elevated design of ground-floor apartments and a consolidated above-ground parking structure enhance sustainability by reducing flood risks and carbon footprints.
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Redefining architectural limitations
La Vallée Verte illustrates how self-imposed constraints drive innovative design. MVRDV crafted the suncut rules to challenge themselves, resulting in a unique architectural identity. The ingenious gardener-shaped doors symbolize the studio’s commitment to thoughtful, detail-oriented solutions that respect the project’s guiding framework.
The project is a collaborative masterpiece by MVRDV, co-architect ADVENTO, and landscape designer A+R Paysage, commissioned by PICHET Promotion.
Source: urdesignmag.com