[Exhibition] > From February 26 to 28, our project A Fighera will be in Paris at the Grand Palais as part of the exhibition “The 21st-Century Wood/Bio-Based Architecture Gallery.”
A Fighera (formerly Carmelha) is a 100% wooden project, boldly innovative and… inherently sensual. An immersion into the heart of the material, an experience where wood unveils its full potential.
“In the Wood for Love” – when architecture takes pleasure.
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Noise Control – Wooden Floors Put to the Test of Acoustics: Challenges and Solutions
“The Carmelha Tower in Monaco represents a significant advancement in high-rise timber construction:
an 8-story timber-structured building on a 3-level concrete base, delivered in 2024 by the Paris-based agency Bellecour Architectes (lead contractor), in partnership with Atelier Gabriel Viora. […]”
Qualité Construction No. 208 – January / February 2025
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By Claire Thibault
“In Monaco, the BELLECOUR Architectes studio has delivered an exemplary and innovative 43-meter project: the Carmelha Tower, renamed A Fighera upon completion.
The Principality of Monaco, known for its urban density, is welcoming its first-ever residential building made of CLT and timber frame construction. Committed to the energy transition, the Principality aimed to develop innovative and bio-based infrastructures. Located in the residential district of La Rousse, the project faced multiple design challenges.”
Architecture Bois Magazine No. 126 – February 2025
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Official visit of the delegation of representatives from the Government and the National Council, and presentation of the project to Mr. Didier Guillaume, Minister of State, and Mrs. Céline Caron-Dagioni, Government Counselor-Minister of Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning.
On this occasion, the state-owned Carmelha project was renamed Fighera, in tribute to the extensive integration of wood into the building’s structure and core.
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Paris, 16th arrondissement – Rue Pergolèse
Commissioned in 2021 by the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie, the BELLECOUR Architectes studio has completed the renovation of the Québec Delegation Office in Paris.
Beyond the technical challenge of extensive rehabilitation and bringing the building up to standard, the goal was to combine the preservation of an existing architectural heritage with the modernization of spaces, while taking into account the evolution of work practices. More than just an adaptation to new flexible working methods, this project aimed to transform the site into a true showcase of Québec, incorporating materials and furnishings emblematic of Québec’s expertise.
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By Bastien Lechevallier
“The Carmelha Residence in Monaco represents sustainable and innovative architecture in a complex environment. Delivered this summer, it is the work of the Paris-based firm Bellecour Architectes. The Carmelha Residence project aligns with the vision of the Monegasque government, through the Mission for Energy Transition (MTE), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy […]”
Woodsurfer No. 138 – September / October 2024
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By Amélie Luquain
“A Wooden Tower Rises Without a Crane
In the heart of Monaco, a building reaches 43 meters in height solely through jacking operations.
No, the top levels of this Monegasque building are not an extension. What appears to be the summit of the Villa Carmelha residential tower is, in fact, a climbing lifting system that, using hydraulic jacks, enables the construction of the wooden structure up to eight stories and 43 meters high—without a crane. To complete this 25-apartment project, the Principality of Monaco faced a dual challenge: a dense urban site with little available space and a bio-based material that is sensitive to weather conditions and still rarely used in the region. The developer was thus compelled to innovate […]”**
Le Moniteur No. 6305 – June 21, 2024
“A risk can be defined as the possibility of a hazard occurring and affecting a vulnerable population. A hazard only becomes a risk when human, economic, and environmental stakes, which possess a certain fragility, are involved. Risk mitigation relies on principles of forecasting, prevention, and protection.” […]
Seismic Activity in France – Interview with Vincent Ballion, Project Manager of the Carmelha Operation – by Anne-Sophie Gouyen
The rehabilitation project for the Maurice Thorez housing estate, carried out on an occupied site, is part of a process of reinvesting in the pre-existing neighbourhood. This complex project involves the renovation of 10 buildings comprising 510 housing units over a surface area of more than 30,000 sqm.
The Maurice Thorez housing estate was at the heart of a vast urban requalification project. The aim of this requalification was to develop soft mobility, the enhancement of buildings, and “better living together”.
The rehabilitation project allowed the creation of a central square, a strong element of “social cohesion” in the district. A real “agora”, a place of crossings and exchanges, it will allow the articulation between the Maurice Thorez district and its neighbourhood.
The project is part of a sustainable development approach by obtaining CERQUAL Qualitel Certification environmental certification. To achieve this objective, the 10 buildings have undergone extensive work to improve their energy performance. The renovation of the facades has resulted in a fourfold reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The green spaces and car parks have also been embellished.
After the delivery of the Ekla building in 2021, we are delivering the second building of the operation by Fayat Immobilier. Located within the Parc Ausone in Bruges, the Ekilibre residence, a biosourced construction (wooden frame walls and CLT floors) accommodates 29 apartments offering large balconies with a view of the park.
Delivery of the last buildings of the vast requalification operation of the Ardillos site. Realized as an exemplary eco-district, the park located in the center of Mérignac offers 526 new housing units combining sustainable development and social diversity.
The BELLECOUR studio delivers three buildings of 90 housing units labeled Effinergie+.
Two apartment buildings, one in wood, the other in concrete, built by the BELLECOUR studio on behalf of FAYAT Immobilier. The opportunity for the client and the design team to simultaneously implement two different construction systems for the benefit of similar programs.
Delivery of the second Ekilibre building is scheduled for early 2022.
Occupied site, complex construction site of 30,000 square meters within the Maurice Thorez residence in Bègles.
The rehabilitation of 10 buildings with 510 housing units is progressing rapidly. While the Eiffage Construction site teams are finalizing the interior work, the renovation of the facades is continuing. Work aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings to reach the BBC renovation level and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4. Full delivery of the operation will take place in spring 2022.
Planning permission application for the operation of 46 collective and individual housing in Bruges. The project is located in a territory with generous planted spaces and the shores of the lake. Apartments with generous balconies and individual houses with intimate gardens in a building that does not exceed two floors.
The APIJ (L’Agence Publique pour l’Immobilier de la Justice) has invited BELLECOUR architects to compete in the design competition for the construction of a residential plot comprising 513 dwellings to be used by trainees from l’Ecole Nationale de l’Administration Pénitentiaire in Agen.
In collaboration with GTM Construction and Arbonis, the project was designed using 3D modules formed from factory prefabricated wooden frames with integrated equipment
The Carmelha project in Monaco, a 100% timber construction, promises major innovations. A 10 storey tower within a seismic zone, the project has passed the approval and classification process.
The latest update, label BD2M Bâtiment Durable Méditerranéen (Sustainable Building in the Mediterranean), Carmelha achieved the Gold Standard.
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Construction – Eco-responsible awareness also affects the building sector in Monaco. For its state-owned Carmelha operation, which will see the light of day between the boulevard d’Italie and the avenue Saint-Roman, the public works department is working on an innovative building project that consumes less energy and is more respectful of the environment.
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Rouen Normandie Aménagement the organisation responsible for City Planning has awarded the design of the Macrot-lot 11 Rives du Canal, Rouen Flaubert to the Groupe Odyssée.
BELLECOUR architects was invited to participate as part of the program involving 8,900 sqm Commercial, 5,000 sqm Residential, two schools, Retail and services. A mixed plot totaling nearly 20,000 sqm.
Initiation of the Refurbishment Project for the Maurice Thorez Residence in Bègles. The development will be in partnership with Eiffage Construction from Design through Completion on behalf of Vilogia.
Located alongside the transport hub “la Zac Pont Rouge,” the project comprises 84 rental apartments spread across three buildings all located around a central landscaped courtyard, the apartments will be owned and run by the social housing manager “Aquitanis.” The buildings overlook avenue Jean-Jaurès and the place publique providing easy access to local retail, services and restaurants.
To support the growth of their Design Studios in Bordeaux, Ubisoft is launching a competition to design new offices able to hold a 600 strong workforce. The new 7,000 sqm building could be built in a number of different locations. BELLECOUR studio, being invited to compete, has selected the Bassins à Flot site, as the location for their design proposal.
Cité Descartes, located in the town of Champs-sur-Marne has been designated a future laboratory of innovations in sustainable cities. To this end the BELLECOUR studio will deliver “la Maison de l’Entreprise Innovante” on behalf of “la Communauté d’Agglomération” Paris Vallée de la Marne and the CCI Seine et Marne.
Le project is composed of an incubator, a start-up, an innovative start-up company centre as well as a Fablab. The project, as much a technical response as an architectural one to a dedicated program, implements the use of a specialist plastic roofing system revealing its function to inspire innovation.
By hosting the Woodrise International Congress next September, Bordeaux is to become the world’s capital of medium and high-rise wood construction. At the event, exhibitions and presentations will demonstrate innovative achievements as well as valuable insight into how the key players operate in the wood industry.
The “Silva” project designed by STUDIO BELLECOUR and ART & BUILD will be in the spotlight on several occasions:
Tuesday 5th September at 6:30 pm – Evening followed by a cocktail
At the opening ceremony of the “Tram du Bois,” presentation of the project in the presence of Kaufman & Broad, Project Manager of the operation.
Maison de l’Architecture d’Aquitaine – 308 Avenue Thiers 33100 Bordeaux > Tram line A – stop : Galin
Wednesday 6th September at 4:00pm
Presentation of the project to the organisation AROSHA (Regional Social Housing Union, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Maison du Projet de Bordeaux-Euratlantique – 74-76 rue Carle Vernet 33800 Bordeaux > Tram line A – stop : Carle Vernet
Tuesday 12th September at 2:00pm
As part of the day dedicated to architecture bringing together international experts around innovative projects, architects Wilfrid Bellecour and Steven Ware will speak during a meeting with the Belgian delegation.
Maison du Projet de Bordeaux-Euratlantique – 74-76 rue Carle Vernet 33800 Bordeaux > > Tram line A – stop : Carle Vernet
Wednesday 13th September at 10:00am
Conferences within the confines of the Woodrise congress, a time of speech by the designers of the project will be dedicated to universal and timeless material, free from the phenomena of fashion.
Palais des congrès – Avenue Jean Gabriel Domergue, 33300 Bordeaux
> Tram line C – stop : Palais des congrès
Friday 15th September from 9:00am to 12:00 noon
The technological institute FCBA will open its doors during a seismic test on the model of the “Silva” project.
FCBA – Allée de Boutaut, 33000 Bordeaux > Tram line C – stop : Place Ravezies
Silva / Art Build + Bellecour architects
“Designed jointly by Art & Build and the Studio Bellecour Architects, the mixed lot includes an integrated multi storey car park on which stands a 50 metre high, 18 storey, 115 unit Residential tower and a 7-storey Commercial building, a total of 69 Social Residential units in two plots with Retail units on the ground floor. Whilst independent from each other, each part of the program shares common ground with the city. Transparent, this high-rise project shows off its exoskeleton behind a curtain wall of immense frames of laminated timber”.
Towers made of wood
“Bordeaux Euratlantique wants to build 20,000 sqm (215,000 sqft) of wood-frame construction every year. The following were selected for the first two constructions with a wooden tower: the Hyperion tower by Jean-Paul Viguier for Eiffage and the Silva tower by Art & Build and Studio Bellecour for Kaufman & Broad. The companies Techniwood, IBS, Sacba, and Elioth were also involved. This 18-storey tower, will also be 50 metres high and will consist of more than 50% wood, with a giant timber primary structure…”
In Bordeaux, the Studio Bellecour will deliver a housing program consisting of 133 Social Residential units for Adoma as well as 41 Social Residential units and 28 Residential units for purchase on behalf of Bouygues Immobiler. This operation is part of the urban planning of the Zac de Devillers associates and Brochet Lajus Pueyo.
On 27th February, ADIVBois officially launched the contest phase to select the teams that will realize Les Immeubles à Vivre Bois. The Studio Bellecour has been invited to participate in several programs.
The winners will be announced on 12th September 2017 during Woodrise in Bordeaux.
New year, new address … The Studio BELLECOUR is pleased to announce the opening of an additional branch office in Toulouse:
6, rue Lafon 31000 TOULOUSE
BEST WISHES FOR 2017
A GREAT YEAR FOR INNOVATION
Studio BELLECOUR will be present at the SIMI show from Wednesday 30th November to Friday 2nd December. To arrange to meet up, please do not hesitate to contact us
Wilfrid Bellecour / 06 11 12 84 45
Stéphanie Rochard / 06 15 19 20 50
of the competition
EPA Bordeaux-Euratlantique sets the goal to build the new global reference in tall wooden construction; the ZAC Saint-Jean Belcier with two wooden towers, 50 metres tall. The first in the world! The team from Studio Bellecour and Art&Build, supported by Kaufman&Broad, was selected for lot 4.9. The design of the tower, christened SILVA, sets a benchmark as it will be built from 80% wood and equipped with a primary structure of giant timber columns.
A design and build Competition for a Social housing project comprising Commercial and Residential space in Viry-Châtillon.
The prize for the best construction design will be awarded, by the company Gagneraud, for the construction of 70 Residential units in Deuil-la-Barre.
In the end of the year, the studio will deliver two buildings in UDZ Lénine in Gentilly.
Address change in Bordeaux
72, quai des Chartrons 33300 Bordeaux
130 residential units in Talence.
40 residential units in Bègles.
Two distinct buildings are connected through a long white concrete veil. The coherence and balance of the whole is maintained by the homogenous treatment of the façades. The different shapes and similar materials make fraternal twins out of these two buildings, which works to maintain options for future users of the space.
Construction’s progress of 104 residential units for the account of Vinci and BNP Paribas.
Galilée is one of the debut projects realized in the UDZ (Urban Development Zone) Andromède, in Blagnac, near Toulouse in France. The particular urban details of this UDZ in Blagnac provided a unique climate for the development of a quality architectural project. The aesthetic of Galilée results from a combination of an interpretation of these urban rules, the immediate aeronautical context, and from the environmental requirements given in the specifications of the UDZ.
Inauguration of the building site, in the middle of Argenteuil, rue AG Belin, concerning 35 residential units for AB Habitat. In a few months, the residence composed of 28 new social housing units and the rehabilitation of an appartment building, will be achieved…
Studio Bellecour has been choosen to compete for a construction of a company house cité Descartes.
Social Housing in Angers, France
The project sets within a mission of movement and punctuation. With this framework, a typological approach seeks to combine the urban scale of the street with its surrounding area. The project maintains the necessary “boundaries” between the building and the street while taking into account the area’s density. The result produces an intimate residential atmosphere while maintaining the autonomy of the individual units, which break away from the standard “concrete block” and its the negative stereotyping.
Competition for a new building construction on the Hôtel de Département site, in Cergy-Pontoise. This building will house the MDPH (Departmental Disabled Persons Office).
Le Studio Bellecour has been chosen to compete for an office and housing project in Balma-Gramont, Vidailhan district.
Happy new year 2012 from Studio Bellecour
Unifying and plastic, office building “The Galilee” is one of the first programs made in the Andromede UDZ in Blagnac. The aesthetics of the project results directly from the interpretation of the urban rules, the airport context and requirements HQE data in the specification of the UDZ. The building is organized in two parallel separate buildings connected by a long veil of white concrete which, starting from the vertical, curves slowly to the horizontal in a large movement of helix. This veil provides continuity between the two buildings while allowing to discover the landscape back to its depth.
81 residential units signed by Studio Bellecour. Extensive operation led by Eiffage Development, the program of Lenin UDZ in Gentilly, presents approximately 550 free and social homes, including housings for students and researchers, a gymnasium and associated offices, available in five architectural competitions. Focus on project Eiffage Real Estate/Opaly, architect Studio Bellecour.
During the SIMI 2011 (real estate event), Altarea Cogedim brought together several architects in order to talk about their experiences and the impact of new energetic and environmental pressures on the architectural creativity…
Delivery of 42 residential units in Savigny-le-Temple.
