Winner City of Versailles Architecture Prize 2025

The project draws inspiration from Versailles’ rich horticultural history, envisioning a greenhouse as a contemporary biosphere — a structure capable of creating and adjusting its own climate. 

Built on the site of a former railyard structure, the new building echoes the original footprint through a central concrete core that organizes four open floors, now housing a gym and grocery store. Positioned between larger and smaller neighboring buildings, its curved form softens its presence at street level while appearing as a transparent volume from afar.

Composed of simple wooden arches forming a nave-like structure, the building is largely clad in glass with wooden slats for protection and climate control. Its dynamic skin allows for ventilation and light regulation.

Though privately commissioned, the project was developed with the City of Versailles as part of the public realm. While it now hosts more people than plants, it preserves the spirit of a greenhouse, and the program echoes essential elements for life: food and movement.