In the picturesque setting of Rennes, France, overlooking the serene confluence of the Ille River and the Vilaine, stands Ascension Paysagère, a visionary housing project brought to life by the innovative minds at Dutch architecture studio MVRDV in collaboration with local firm ALL. Spread across a sprawling 10,550-square-meter expanse, this remarkable complex showcases a contemporary fusion of architectural prowess and ecological sensitivity, underscoring MVRDV’s commitment to sustainable and visually striking design.
Nestled adjacent to a sprawling park, Ascension Paysagère is more than just a housing development; it represents a bold step towards urban renewal and social inclusivity, accommodating a diverse array of apartment types catering to varying income levels. With 138 thoughtfully designed homes spread across two terraced buildings, MVRDV and ALL have seamlessly integrated functionality and aesthetics, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between modern living spaces and the surrounding natural landscape.
The brainchild of MVRDV founding partner Nathalie de Vries, Ascension Paysagère is an embodiment of the studio’s vision to seamlessly integrate contemporary architecture with the site’s inherent natural beauty. De Vries emphasized the preservation of the site’s intrinsic qualities, leading to the conception of a complex that emulates the organic undulations of geological formations, evoking a sense of harmony between the built environment and the lush greenery that envelops it.
The choice of location for Ascension Paysagère reflects the burgeoning expansion of Rennes, with urban sprawl necessitating the development of residential areas beyond the city center. MVRDV’s design responds to this demand with an innovative approach that balances the need for increased housing with a deep reverence for the surrounding environment.
The striking facade of Ascension Paysagère boasts an interplay of gray-hued ceramic tiles, carefully curated to exude a harmonious blend of matte and glossy finishes, echoing the natural gradient of hills. This visual narrative contributes to the buildings’ organic aesthetic, seamlessly blending the modern with the natural, as if the structures themselves were an intrinsic part of the picturesque landscape.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the project incorporates numerous energy-efficient features, including Passivhaus-standard apartments, large windows for ample natural light and ventilation, and lush green terraces adorned with custom planters that seamlessly merge with the building’s architectural form. Residents are encouraged to interact with the green spaces, fostering a sense of community and environmental consciousness.
Beyond its residential function, Ascension Paysagère boasts an array of commercial and public spaces at street level, fostering a vibrant social atmosphere that encourages interaction and community engagement. A pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the two buildings opens into a lively plaza, forming a gateway to the adjacent river, while an existing restaurant and theatre are seamlessly integrated within the complex, enhancing the vibrant character of the neighborhood.
Ascension Paysagère stands as a testament to MVRDV’s unwavering dedication to reshaping the contemporary urban landscape while staying rooted in ecological consciousness. In this latest creation, the studio has artfully woven together elements of nature and modernity, crafting a living space that not only reflects the evolving needs of a growing community but also honors the natural beauty that surrounds it. As a beacon of sustainable design and innovative architecture, Ascension Paysagère represents a progressive step toward the harmonious coexistence of urban development and the preservation of the environment.
Photos by Ossip van Duivenbode (https://ossip.nl/).