Architects: WY-TO Architects, Crespy & Aumont Architectes
Total Area: 8,200 m²
Land Area: 2,600 m²
Surface Area: 750 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Juan Cardona, Svend Andersen
Type: International competition “IMAGINE ANGERS” – Winner
Programme: 29 apartments, 1 senior residence with 94 units, 1 nursery with 20 cribs, 3 urban cottages, 1 rooftop wellness center, shared gardens, vegetable garden
Lead Architects: Pauline Gaudry, Yann Follain
Landscape Architects: MOZ Paysage, Guillaume Sevin Paysages
Structure Engineers: Serba-Novam
MEP: Nergik
Acoustic Engineers: Reflex Acoustique
Security and Safety Specialists: SOCOTEC
Collaborators: BRIAND Construction, Savoie Construction, Groupe Luc DURAND, FREMY PEINTURE DECORATION, Atelier Lacour, Hervé Thermique, VAUGEOIS Electronique, Ovelia Résidences Seniors, Babilou
Client: VINCI Immobilier
City: Angers
Country: France
Arborescence Apartments, designed by WY-TO Architects and Crespy & Aumont Architectes, is the winning project from the “IMAGINE ANGERS” competition in Angers, France. Completed in 2024, this 8,200 m² vertical garden integrates sustainable urban strategies with biophilic design. The project includes housing, senior living, a nursery, and shared spaces like a rooftop wellness center and central garden, fostering intergenerational connections and environmental harmony while meeting high sustainability standards.
Arborescence, designed by WY-TO Architects in collaboration with Crespy & Aumont Architectes, reimagines the urban landscape with a pioneering approach to biophilic architecture. Winning the “IMAGINE ANGERS” competition, the 35-meter-tall vertical garden in Angers, France, balances urban density with environmental sustainability. Completed in 2024, the project integrates nature into city life, creating a connection between the Maine River and the surrounding urban fabric.
The development spans 8,200 m², accommodating 29 apartments, a senior residence with 94 units, a nursery with 20 cribs, three urban cottages, and a rooftop wellness center. Central to the project are shared gardens, including a vegetable garden, which foster a sense of community and sustainability. Certified under Label NF HABITAT and NF HQE, the design prioritizes environmental standards while ensuring the well-being of its users.
Biophilic principles are fundamental to the design, with greenery, natural light, and ventilation permeating all levels. The building is anchored by the “Tree of Life,” a symbolic feature that fosters social interaction and provides shaded communal areas. Wooden soffits, green terraces, and outdoor living spaces offer a warm, inviting atmosphere, providing an alternative to traditional urban housing.
The project employs advanced bioclimatic strategies to optimize energy efficiency and comfort. A south-facing façade enhances solar gain in winter, while planted terraces regulate temperatures in summer. Green roofs and open-ground plantings support biodiversity and mitigate urban heat. The housing units are arranged to maximize cross-ventilation and access to sky views, ensuring a seamless blend of ecological considerations and comfort.
A defining feature of Arborescence is its central intergenerational garden, accessible to the public during the day. This shared space connects the nursery, senior residences, and housing units, encouraging organic encounters and fostering community ties. This approach reflects the spirit of multi-generational living, creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where residents of all ages can interact and thrive.
The tree-inspired design ensures every unit is infused with natural light and air, with senior residences positioned among mature plane trees overlooking the Maine River. The upper floors, housing apartments, and urban cottages provide expansive views and open spaces that emphasize harmony with nature.
The building’s organization balances diverse functions. The ground floor features offices, a nursery, and amenities for senior residents, while the podium level houses the senior living spaces. The upper floors are dedicated to apartments, urban cottages, and a rooftop wellness center. This layout ensures efficient circulation and promotes interaction in shared spaces.
Realized with contributions from leading collaborators and consultants, Arborescence exemplifies a holistic approach to urban architecture. By integrating biophilic and bioclimatic principles, the project addresses ecological and social challenges, providing a sustainable model for urban living that prioritizes well-being and community in a dense cityscape.
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Project Location
Address: 2 Boulevard Ayrault, 49000 Angers, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
