The meticulous radicalism and the location of the Foyer des Acacias over the railway lines have become a familiar sight to those living in Bordeaux. While it was important that the renovation should not compromise the existing façades, it was also imperative that the extension should not accentuate the perceived overall mass of the building. Our proposal spans over the existing ground floor to retain the building’s anchorage to the ground and keep its link to the garden. The extension is L-shaped, which contributes to reducing its visual impact and provides units with far-reaching views. The expressive structure gives character to a building that is simultaneously compact, thick and protective, clad in smooth materials (concrete, wood and aluminium).