On the southern edge of Bordeaux’s historic center, along Cours de la Marne, the two-hectare site of the former Military Health School is being transformed into a new neighborhood. The inner courtyard buildings have been demolished, while the main building facing Cours de la Marne—the flagship of the former school—has been renovated to house offices, event spaces, and a dining area. On the opposite side, the building on Rue Ferbos has been converted into student housing.
The rest of the development includes social and market-rate housing, a serviced hotel residence, and several public facilities: an auditorium, a gymnasium, a daycare center, and an underground parking lot. These are distributed across five slender buildings, each no more than six stories high, arranged in a fan shape between the two preserved structures.
A public pedestrian walkway connects Place Dormoy to Place André Meunier, extending all the way to the riverfront. This path is the spine of the project, opening it up to the city. It features a rhythm of alternating built and open spaces, offering clear views of landscaped areas and the nearby Gustave Eiffel High School.
A narrow passage between two buildings invites foot traffic while remaining inaccessible to vehicles, allowing 60% of the site to be preserved as green, landscaped space.
Client
Developer and owner of the Ferbos building : Bordeaux Métropole Aménagement
Developer : Pichet
Project Team
Execution architect : Advento
Engineering & cost consulting : Ecotech and Ingerop
Program
Masterplan and full project management for : Development – Construction / New Build – Restoration / Renovation
270 housing units, student serviced residences, hotel residence, renovation of the Rue Ferbos building, gymnasium, daycare center, auditorium
Area
31,330 m² GFA, including 24,517 m² of new construction
Cost
€31 million excl. VAT
Timeline
2013–2016