Revitalizing the Brittany Tower: A Cheeky Overview
Ah, Nantes! That charming little nook where the Brittany Tower stands like an urban wart – but instead of popping it with a needle, the Giboire group has decided to give it a serious facelift! After an impressive four-year slumber, our beloved tower is stirring, thanks to the enthusiastic embrace of Michel Giboire, who’s convinced this structure holds a vaudevillian-level of history worth preserving. Let’s dive into this architectural soap opera, shall we?
A Tower, Two Buildings – What Is This, a Modern Art Installation?
During a thrilling consultation that sounds suspiciously like a planning committee’s wet dream, the Giboire group is launching a project to turn this tired tower into something that actually connects to the heart of the city. They’ve hooked up with architecture firms PCA-Stream and Magnum Architectes et Urbanistes (that sounds fancy, right?) to present a project that’s about as flashy as a disco ball at a funeral.
Imagine a base that screams ‘New York chic’ while simultaneously whispering ‘I’m still French, mind you!’ This base will replace a hodgepodge of underused car parks, rising 8 stories high to house a suave 4-star hotel with a rooftop restaurant – because what else do you need in life than overpriced food with a view?
Housing: From T1 to T5, Because Variety Is the Spice of Life
And let’s not stop at hotels! The rehabilitated tower promises to offer around 200 housing units. Yes, folks, whether you’re a lone wolf (T1) or you’ve decided to make a family-sized pack (T5), they’ve got you covered. Geoffroy Petit, the director of promotion at Giboire, insists that they haven’t yet decided on the prices – perhaps they’re waiting to finish the roof before figuring that out?
Saving the World, One Tower at a Time
Now, here’s where things get responsibly juicy. This project claims it’ll save around 7,000 tonnes of CO2 by opting for rehabilitation over demolition. In this age of global warming and eco-anxiety, this is about as heroic as you can get. They’ll be recycling more concrete than a DIY influencer – and if that doesn’t make you want to do a little environmental jig, I don’t know what will!
Conviviality on High: Soirees at 107 Meters
But hang on, we haven’t even finished yet! On the roof, which shall now be known as ‘the place for all your existential crises and hosted conversations about the meaning of life’, sits a panoramic belvedere. You’ll be able to gaze out at Nantes, the Loire estuary, and ponder why you didn’t invest in that overpriced cosmopolitan life after all. But fear not, it’ll be open for everyone. Yes, even you, with your questionable choices and all!
The Future Is a Green Tower
All of this amazingness is scheduled to kick off in 2025, with hopes of completion in 2029. The first phase involves cleaning and asbestos removal – it’s like spring cleaning but on a much grander scale and without the comfort of a cozy couch. The architects are even aiming for a slew of prestigious labels, because who doesn’t want their property to be as certified exquisite as possible?
The Brittany Tower is being given a well-deserved makeover, and if it turns out even half as chic as promised, we might just have a new local landmark to rival the Eiffel Tower (sort of). So, let’s raise a glass to the synergy of sustainability and urban revival. And remember, folks, if all else fails, just call it ‘quaint’ and add some artisanal coffee shops. Voilà!
To Wrap It Up… Or Is It Just Beginning?
As this ambitious venture unfurls over the years, we’ll be watching with the same enthusiasm as a kid watching a magician. The Brittany Tower is set to redefine what it means to be urban, chic, and environmentally conscious – a trifecta that might just make Nantes the crème de la crème of French cities. Get ready, Nantes. Exciting times are just around the corner! Who knew urban renewal could be this much fun?
The long-awaited rehabilitation project of the iconic Brittany Tower in Nantes has finally been unveiled, much to the delight of local residents. For many, this structure serves as either an eyesore or a beloved heritage marker that represents the city’s rich history. Spearheaded by the Giboire group, which holds a significant 77% ownership stake in the building, this initiative aims to transform a wasteland that has remained idle for over four years. According to Michel Giboire, president of the company proudly known as “the most Nantais of Breton developers,” this tower is not just a building; it is “a strong symbol of its heritage and a crucial part of the city’s historical narrative.”
In partnership with Nantes Métropole, which co-owns 19% of the site and participates in the union council, the Giboire group commenced a project management consultation in January 2023. Right from the start, the project was underscored by a strong commitment to reconnect the tower to the heart of the city, ensuring a blend of diverse programming and functionalities. An essential component is the maintenance of public access at the tower’s summit, coupled with a vibrant animation at its base to forge a link between the bustling Place de Bretagne and the lively Place du Cirque.
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An active base
The collaborative vision put forth by the design agencies PCA-Stream and Magnum Architectes et Urbanistes aligns perfectly with the project’s ambitions. “We conceptualized this transformation as two distinct but inseparable buildings,” shares Philippe Chiambaretta, founding architect of PCA-Stream. This innovative approach draws inspiration from the urban landscapes of New York, placing significant emphasis on the base of the tower as a pivotal element of the design.
Envisioned to replace a considerable portion of the existing car parks, this first eight-storey structure will be fully accessible from Place du Cirque and along rue de l’Arche-Sèche. It is set to include a luxurious 4-star hotel featuring approximately one hundred rooms, with a top-level restaurant that boasts a terrace open to the general public, providing a unique dining experience and sweeping views of the city. Furthermore, this active base will house commercial spaces and a coworking hub, along with socially beneficial facilities requested by both the Metropolis and the City, encompassing spaces dedicated to the social and solidarity economy (Ecossolies) and promoting Breton culture. A thoughtfully designed public staircase will also facilitate an easy connection from rue de l’Arche-Sèche to rue du Pont-Sauvetout.
200 housing units from T1 to T5
The comprehensive project includes significant residential components, with the renovated tower set to feature around 200 housing units across 30 levels, many of which will come equipped with loggias. “We will offer a vast array of accommodations ranging from T1 to T5,” notes Geoffroy Petit, promotion director for Pays de Loire at Giboire, adding that it is premature to disclose any specific sale prices at this stage.
Additionally, in a nod to the building’s storied past, the 33rd level, which once housed a nightclub and a bar (Le Nid), will be transformed into a vibrant cultural and social space on the rooftop. Level 34, towering at an impressive 107 meters, will feature a scenic belvedere that will be open to the public at no charge, granting visitors a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Nantes, its surrounding metropolis, and the serene Loire estuary.
7,000 tonnes of CO2 saved
By choosing to rehabilitate the existing site instead of opting for deconstruction and reconstruction, this ambitious project—valued at an estimated 135 million euros—positions itself as a leader in environmental sustainability and land preservation. In doing so, it conserves over 14,000 m3 of concrete and 1,600 tonnes of steel, contributing to a carbon savings that is equivalent to a remarkable 7,000 tonnes of CO2.
Moreover, the architects have embraced a philosophy of frugality, avoiding unnecessary features while ensuring the design of the facade (crafted from recycled aluminum) maximizes future energy efficiency, particularly in relation to glass usage. The tower will be integrated with the Erena urban heat network, which is predominantly fueled by renewable and locally sourced energy. Plans are also in place to harness residual energies and recycled heat from both the housing units and the hotel, alongside initiatives to collect rainwater from the rooftop for various practical uses—such as toilets, irrigation, and maintaining the restaurant’s premises. Various enhancements aimed at promoting biodiversity will incorporate green roofs, nesting boxes, and shelters for peregrine falcons, fostering a thriving ecosystem in the urban landscape.
First works during 2025
The site should also be exemplary from an environmental point of view. A diagnostic assessment has successfully identified 166 tonnes of materials and waste likely to be reused throughout the redevelopment. This meticulous planning ensures that the project is on track to achieve several coveted labels and certifications, including BBCA Rénovation, NF Habitat HQE, Breeam, and La Clef verte.
From 2025 to 2026, a preliminary phase of construction will commence with the comprehensive cleaning and asbestos removal across the existing structure. Following this critical step, further rehabilitation and extension work will move forward, with the ambitious goal of completing the entire project by 2029.
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What are the benefits of integrating sustainability in urban developments like the Brittany Tower?
Sign remains functional and aesthetically pleasing. This focus on sustainability is not only a boon for the environment but also resonates with a growing public demand for greener urban developments.
Creating Community Spaces for All
The vision for the Brittany Tower extends beyond mere aesthetics and luxury accommodations; it embodies a commitment to fostering community connections. The design emphasizes the importance of shared spaces, including public art installations and vibrant commercial areas that invite locals and tourists alike. This initiative aims to transform the surrounding areas into lively hubs, encouraging residents to engage with their environment and each other.
The ground level is set to emerge as a bustling marketplace of ideas and interactions, equipped with local shops, cafés, and cultural venues. This focus on integrating diverse programming reflects a broader trend in urban planning that acknowledges the vital role of community interaction in fostering a sense of locality.
Your Invitation to the New Nantes
As the Brittany Tower undergoes its transformation, the anticipation builds around what promises to be a catalyst for urban renewal in Nantes. With a timeline set for groundbreaking in 2025 and completion anticipated by 2029, the project is positioned to redefine the cultural and architectural landscape of the city.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Nantes resident or a curious traveler passing through, the new Brittany Tower beckons with the promise of exploration, connection, and a refreshing take on modern urban life. Embrace the future, Nantes—your metamorphosis is just beginning!
In the words of the developers, “Let us reconnect the tower with its city.” The future is now, and it looks as dazzling as the views from the new rooftop restaurant. Grab your artisanal coffee and get ready for the ride!
