In the transforming Jallère district of northern Bordeaux, the new Maison des Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France, designed by Atelier Téqui Architectes, adapts a 1970s office building into a lively campus for apprentices. Originally built in 1978 by architect Raymond Mothe, the former Assedic administrative offices now house 105 rooms, coworking spaces, classrooms, workshops, and shared living facilities. The project brings together rehabilitation, extension, and new construction to create a cohesive environment where tradition, technical training, and community life converge.
Three volumes, one unified campus
The scheme organises the programme across three complementary volumes.
Preserved and restructured, the Central Building is now the centre of administration and reception. It includes offices, coworking spaces, and part of the residential programme. A new patio brings daylight into the core.
Replacing the original wing , the Southern Extension accommodates collective life on the ground floor with a cafeteria, kitchen, dining areas, and workshops for food, bakery, and pastry trades. Above, four levels of student housing connect to the central building by glazed walkways.
The Workshop Building is positioned along Avenue de la Jallère to reinforce the street edge. This independent facility includes double-height craft workshops, a conference room, and classrooms on a mezzanine. Its shed roof and skylights reference industrial heritage while ensuring good daylight for hands-on training.
Building with what exists
The project embraces a principle of reusing existing structures wherever possible. The preserved building’s envelope, originally defined by prefabricated concrete panels, is transformed: the heavy infill is replaced with alternating wooden panels and joinery, maintaining the structural grid while softening the architectural language.
Timber and concrete in dialogue
The new additions express a dialogue between concrete and wood. The façades of both the extension and workshop building adopt timber-frame construction clad with vertical wooden battens. This rhythm echoes the concrete grid of the original structure and relates to the wooded context of Jallère. A concrete base unifies the ensemble, while the warm timber tones animate the façades and harmonise with the site’s greenery.
Landscaped grounds for living and learning
The project extends beyond architecture into a two-hectare landscaped park, weaving together vegetable gardens, a city stadium, shaded walks, and wooded clearings. These outdoor spaces provide apprentices with opportunities for recreation, informal learning, and community engagement, reinforcing the balance between study, work, and everyday life.
