Les Tours Nuages

Nanterre
In progress

Heritage Material Thermics Energy Skin R&D Comfort Bioclimatism Matrix approach Co-design Existing
Nanterre Tours Nuages 11

Built by Émile Aillaud between 1973 and 1981, the complex comprises a group of 18 towers (1,610 units), all of which are now social housing, in the Parc Sud district of Nanterre. The rehabilitation of these towers is part of a wider urban renewal plan for the Parc Sud district, designed to address local social and urban challenges.

Nanterre Tours Nuages From Lot to Window
  1. Insolation diagram
  2. Solar irradiation of facades
  3. Shade grid
  4. Shade modeling
Nanterre Tours Nuages Energy Production Systems
  1. Preferred orientation groups
  2. Tower irradiation maps
Nanterre Tours Nuages 08
  1. Faceting of a shading canopy
  2. Results of parametric study/Plan view
  3. Results of parametric study/3D view
Nanterre Tours Nuages 10

Parametric design

The rehabilitation was executed with particular attention to the facades, windows, and openings. All in keeping with the original design and current practices. The passive, sustainable, and maintenance-free shading structures were designed in collaboration with Atelier Franck Boutté, to provide thermal comfort for residents and preserve the use value of the windows. This proposal was developed as part of a FabLab research and development (R&D) program. This rehabilitation will improve the energy cost/savings ratio and reduce the energy expenditure portion of rent and service charges.

Nanterre Tours Nuages Façade Design
  1. ST 500 stainless steel cladding
  2. Mounting rail
  3. Mounting bracket
  4. Air blade
  5. External insulation
  6. EPDM membrane
  7. Existing concrete veil
  8. Steel pre-frame
  9. Window frame
  10. Existing internal insulation
  11. Double-glazed swing frame
  12. Existing frame
  13. Internal metal trim
  14. Internal metal trim
  15. Shade support
Nanterre Tours Nuages TOWERS AT THE SERVICE OF RESIDENTS

Towers at the service of residents

  1. Existing/Cross-section of a dwelling
  2. Program/Cross-section of a dwelling
Nanterre Tours Nuages Dynamic Thermal Simulation Results DTS

Nanterre Tours Nuages Dynamic Thermal Simulation Results DTS

Nanterre Tours Clouds Analogy Results DTS Orientations

Analogy DTS Results/Orientations

  • Client

    Nanterre COOP Habitat

  • Team

    Agence RVA (lead architects), Pierre di Sciullo (graphic designer), Atelier Franck Boutté (environmental consulting and engineering), Terrell (facade and envelope design), Berim (general contractor) and Yves Moreaux (lighting designer).

  • Schedule

    Scheduled delivery 2026

  • Label

    BBC Effinergie

  • Certification

    NF Habitat HQE

  • AFB Team

    Bertrand Bethune, Ashwin Soobhug and Matteo Migliari
    AFB alumni: Kevin Bâcle, Bilel Ben Brahim, Aymeric de la Bachelerie, Ayoub El Homaini, Yohann Gauchet, Philippe Hautin, Nina Mahe-Rome, Léo Mauvy, Léonard Pastourel, Mathilde Poirier, Laura Rouffignac, Ismail Sakout, Julia Serriere, Jimmy Souksamran and Antonio Torres

Narrative

Climate Iniquities

Housing Resilience Adaptation Skin Performance solidarity