In Bordeaux's Bastide Niel district, three new apartment buildings designed by Rotterdam-based MVRDV stand out not just for their architecture but for the lush, hidden courtyard garden at their center, creating a serene green retreat for residents.
- Three apartment blocks arranged to maximize sunlight with unique roof design
- Central courtyard filled with diverse trees, shrubs, and plants shaping a natural valley vibe
- Sustainability features include district heating, solar panels, and water-absorbing surfaces
What happened
MVRDV, a renowned architecture and urban design firm from Rotterdam, recently completed La Vallée Verte in Bordeaux’s Bastide Niel neighborhood. The development comprises three distinctive apartment blocks carefully positioned on a triangular site to avoid casting shadows on one another, ensuring maximum sunlight for each building.
Inside, the project reveals its special feature—a lush and secluded courtyard filled with a variety of plants arranged to mimic a natural valley. Each floor showcases distinct species, creating a layered ecosystem that residents can enjoy from their private loggias, complete with practical access points for garden maintenance.
Why it feels good
This hidden green retreat offers residents a moment of calm and connection with nature within an urban environment, offering a peaceful escape from the surrounding city bustle. The courtyard acts as a shared sanctuary fostering community between residents and visitors alike.
Unlike other large-scale vertical forests that are visible from the street, La Vallée Verte's green heart is private and intimate, designed to be fully appreciated by those living there. This creates an experience of discovery and nurturing that enhances wellbeing and quality of life.
What to enjoy or watch next
Residents can explore the dynamic variety of plant life throughout the year, each floor offering a different slice of biodiversity and seasonal change. The project’s thoughtful design also integrates sustainability with features such as rooftop solar panels, connection to district heating, and rainwater-permeable surfaces to reduce environmental impact.
The Bastide Niel Masterplan, under which La Vallée Verte was developed, guides this transformation of former industrial land into a lively, sustainable community. Future phases promise further innovation in eco-friendly urban living, making Bordeaux a model city for integrating nature and residential life.