France’s historic Bordeaux World Heritage Site is getting a modern ecological refresh thanks to prolific Rotterdam-based firm MVRDV. Working together with local architecture studio Flint, the architects unveiled Ilot Queyries, a pilot project for a new neighbourhood that combines the European city’s historic qualities with eco-friendly and contemporary features.

The dense and mixed-use masterplan not only calls for modern architecture and greenspace, but will also include solar panels, an integrated water system, and optimisation of natural lighting in all buildings.

Located east of the River Garonne, the 2.5-hectare Ilot Queyries neighbourhood occupies a coveted riverside site with views towards the water and the historic city. The mixed-use masterplan comprises over 300 apartments, commercial units, a glass-fronted rooftop restaurant, and a large public park located in the heart of the development with a garden of alder, birch, and high grasses.

To optimise views, natural ventilation, and access to daylight, the architects designed the building facades with 45-degree angles. These angular buildings give the development a modern sculptural aesthetic. A large landmark building at the riverfront will feature a unique angled facade covered with varying gold shades of ceramic tiles for a beautifully textured effect.

“For the Bastide Niel master plan we made an update on the European city: based on the values of the historic city that is intimate, dense and mixed, whilst at the same time proposing new objectives like sunlight for all, even on the ground floor, new energy supplies with solar panels, integrated water system and more green spaces,” said MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas.

Ilot Queyries is located next to and is a part of the larger ZAC Bastide-Niel masterplan, also designed by MVRDV, which aims to create an inviting, attractive, and greener extension to Bourdeaux’s city centre.

Ilot Queyries will be completed in mid-2019.