Office Hub Rennes

Charly Broyez

• Architects

A Mixed-Use Project at the Intersection of Residential and Commercial Zones

Situated to the west of Rennes in the Atalante Chapeaux development zone, the project completes à 40-year transformation of this location. A mixed-use area composed mainly of office buildings ranging in height from
3 to 6 storeys. Sited along a major thoroughfare for the district and served by a tree-lined plaza with a landscaped public space at its entrance. The corner plot sits at the junction between the commercial zone and a low-density residential neighborhood.

The project was designed to host a mixed-use program including office space, a restaurant, and a creche. The building, while understated and controlled, provides a strong contextual response in support of the transition in scale and program of the surrounding environment.

photo_credit Charly Broyez — Charly Broyez

A seamless integration into the urban setting is achieved as the building unfolds with progressive volumes rising from two to five storeys and creating a subtle variation in height. This stepped profile imposes the building's silhouette dynamically altering the skyline with a view towards preserving clear lines of sight to the broader landscape. This soft transition in scale combined with a strong architectural identity, blends respectfully with the surrounding neighborhood.

The volumetric layout alternates between defined alignments and setbacks, creating urban breathing spaces and open courtyard gardens. A wide pedestrian pathway runs through the development, forming the backbone of the site, connecting the different areas of use and shaping the public space. The pathway with its’ offshoot passageways creates a convivial ambience and a relaxing urban experience, encouraging social interaction.

The project places a strong emphasis on the value of outdoor spaces. With communal terraces, at rooftop level, conceived as extensions of the working and living areas. These shared areas provide open views and a relaxed breathing space above the bustle of the street. The ‘greening’ effect is further enhanced through the use of suspended gardens in the upper levels, creating an atmosphere of well-being.

The architectural identity of the project is based on a clear structural grid creating a solid and straightforward style. A subtly contemporary envelope is achieved through the choice of materials and their juxtaposition.

The selection of precast concrete elements with contrasting, raw and smooth, textural finishes creates a materiel dialogue between solid and light, with the glazed openings. The large, aluminum framed, windows maximize the penetration of natural light providing a quality interior atmosphere and facilitating the link to the outdoors.

The choice of raw materials and the simplicity of the volumes reflect a deliberately restrained and controlled architectural approach. The structural grid, both repetitive and exposed, expresses the building’s constructive efficiency. It contributes to a refined architectural language while significantly reducing the project’s environmental impact.

This project is designed for mixed use and the balance between volume, materials and layout creates functional, bright and pleasant spaces creating a quality user experience. The architecture is diverse, open and maintains an ongoing conversation with its urban surroundings.