A Strong Identity Signal
“This new neighborhood aims to be both a showcase and innovative, but also respectful of the history of Cagnes-sur-Mer, its architecture, and its heritage. The Eco-district of La Villette will enhance the attractiveness of the city center,” explained Louis Nègre, Mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer.
The architectural project designed and carried out by Bouygues Immobilier with architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and the landscape studio Jean Mus is based on a historical and strong urban signal visible both from the city center and from the A8 highway: the Grimaldi Castle.
The architects have thus designed a set of buildings with contemporary architecture harmoniously integrated into the existing environment, offering panoramic views of the Castle from various points in the high areas of Cagnes-sur-Mer. The urban project includes nearly 40,000 m2 of floor space, 526 housing units (30% of which are social housing), shops (7000 m2), offices (1000 m2), a senior services residence, a landmark cultural hub, and a unique structure with surprising scenography that is visible both during the day and at night, adjacent to the A8.
A Mixed Structure Combining Offices, Shops, and an 800-Space Parking
The sleek building, adorned with a bold serigraphed glass facade, will include, besides a tertiary building topped with a panoramic restaurant housing the prestigious Brasserie Bocuse, a green parking area nearly 200 meters long along the highway, enhanced with hanging gardens to shield the city center and the future neighborhood from the visual and noise pollution of the A8.
This parking area will include 800 spaces, of which 500 are private and open to the public, and 300 “shared” spaces.
Environmental Innovation
To ensure cheaper, sustainable, and renewable energy for the future residents of the neighborhood, Bouygues Immobilier intends to develop an urban heating network using a tempered water loop, all managed by a “Local Energy Pilot” through a partnership with EDF Optimal Solutions. Based on geothermal energy, the project will use dry vertical probes to extract heat from the ground, providing heating, hot water, and cooling for all the buildings.
The construction work for the eco-district is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019 and be completed in 2023.
