The proposal, developed by Ateliers A+ and Atelier Metis., includes 506 student apartments and one staff residence, distributed across two buildings of five and seven floors. A series of complementary uses make up the ground floor: common rooms, a concierge, maintenance services, technical rooms, and bicycle storage complete the program.
At the heart of the project, a large recreational area is offered to students as a space for socializing and relaxing. All the apartments are bright and conveniently open onto views of the surrounding mountains. The new Joséphine Baker student residence preserves the natural environment and effectively reflects the vibrant spirit of the campus.
Joséphine Baker Student Residence by Ateliers A+ and Atelier Métis. Photograph by Camille Gharbi.
Project description by Ateliers A+, Atelier Metis.
A residence integrated into its landscaped and urban environment
In the heart of an exceptional wooded setting, with the majestic Alps in the distance, the project perfectly reflects Peter Arhends’ orthonormal grid. It interacts with the omnipresence of the vegetation and the beauty of the site: the constant presence of the mountains provides a grandiose backdrop.
The architectural style is powerful, enhanced by an opening onto the vast landscape. The volumes are assertive, dictated by the search for light, a precise geometric composition and a harmonious integration into their environment. Careful work on the construction materials enlivens the façades. The stamped concrete resonates with the lightness of the wood, in a subtle display of the material. This combination gives the building a strong identity that is both urban and intimately linked to the landscape. Vertical grooves and linear hollows play with light to break the monotony of the large, rhythmic lines and create visual vibrations.
On the ground floor, the use of pilotis - a typical feature of modern architecture - addresses the constraints of a flood-prone site and makes a striking statement. This recessed base « lifts » the building off the ground, allowing visual transparencies to filter into the heart of the block. Slightly inclined, the posts accentuate the feeling of lightness whilst creating a vertical dynamic.
On the heart of the block side, the project takes on a new look. The timber frame stands out as a direct echo of the surrounding nature. The landscaped feel of the campus is delicately extended into a truly peaceful student oasis, where the existing lime trees are preserved and enriched with new plantings. Soft pathways freely traverse the space, promoting pedestrian mobility and strengthening the continuity between the campus and the Gières neighbourhoods.
Wood is also found in the interior spaces, in the most important common areas - lobbies, social spaces, co-working spaces - the housing units and the furniture. It warms the atmosphere and resonates with the natural hues chosen for the rooms.
Attention to views is omnipresent. Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors… the panoramas are everywhere, vying for beauty. The generous openings of the housing units offer exceptional views of the surrounding mountains. On the façade, «urban windows» punctuate the flow. As places for rest and contemplation, they are a tool that break up the monotony and naturally bring light into the spaces.
An exemplary design
The project’s exemplary nature is reflected in a comprehensive approach combining quality of use, energy efficiency and landscape integration.
The architectural composition is based on a bioclimatic design, offering an inverted L-shaped layout that protects against the cold winds of the Grésivaudan and creates a central green island. A park that naturally regulates thermal environments by providing shade and freshness.
The orientation of the buildings is accompanied by a careful selection of materials that promote summer comfort. High-performance thermal insulation, combined with high-albedo exterior cladding, limits overheating and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The project’s leitmotif, wood, is omnipresent on the façades and structures of the buildings in the heart of the block. This bio-sourced material, beyond its aesthetic qualities, lightens the construction system and thus contributes to reducing the project’s carbon footprint. The wood-framed walls are insulated with wood fibre, ensuring optimal thermal performance and hygroscopic comfort.
In terms of energy efficiency, the very efficient NF Habitat HQE-certified residence also meets the 2025 Energy threshold and exceeds regulatory requirements by 10%. On the roof, 214 m² of photovoltaic panels harness solar potential, contributing to the buildings’ self-consumption through the use of a low-carbon, local energy source. This economical management of natural resources is extended by a rainwater harvesting system dedicated to watering the landscaped areas.
A living space adapted to students needs
From a wide forecourt, the main entrance halls, with their visual transparency, encourage gentle passages to the heart of the landscaped block, laid out like a grassy plain, in line with the green spaces of the campus.
Designed as welcoming reception areas, they naturally provide access to the housing units as well as shared spaces: social rooms, co-working spaces, gym and laundry facilities. Located beneath the buildings, the secure bicycle storage areas optimise the use of space.
The accommodations are arranged in a sequenced manner to provide all functions in a compact space.
-The layout of the studios and one-bedroom apartments includes an entrance hall, a bathroom, a full kitchenette and a dining area separate from the study area. The living area, bathed in natural light, is separated by a bookcase at the head of the bed and a large desk allowing for versatile use.
To accommodate the diverse student population, the project also includes shared accommodation.
-The 3-bedroom shared apartments offer two single bedrooms, each fitted with a workspace and storage, surrounding a shared living area with a kitchenette and dining room.
-The 2-bedroom shared apartments for couples offer a suitable alternative for couples or those looking for more space, with a dedicated bedroom and a living room combining the kitchen, living room and study.
All apartments are dual-aspect or largely open to the outdoors, ensuring natural light and soothing views of the landscape. This project offers a balanced response to student expectations: optimised private spaces, communal areas conducive to interaction and a green living environment, in keeping with the campus spirit.
