Les Herbettes Housing: A Modern Collective Housing Design in Toulouse

The "Les Herbettes" housing project, designed by Taillandier Architectes Associés, is an innovative example of modern collective housing in Toulouse, France. Comprising 102 housing units spread across three buildings, the project was completed in 2024 and addresses the growing demand for quality residential spaces in an evolving urban area. Situated near key landmarks like Montaudran train station and the Rangueil campus, the development is part of an ongoing transformation of Toulouse’s southeastern region. The design of the buildings ensures a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment while prioritizing sustainability and functionality.

Site Context and Planning

The "Les Herbettes" project occupies a strategic location at the intersection of Avenue des Herbettes and Avenue de Lespinet, bordered by the Montaudran aeronautics site. This plot was previously home to a student residence, which was demolished to make way for the new housing. The site is situated in a rapidly transforming urban renewal area, close to a Concerted Development Zone, and requires careful attention to infrastructure development, including roadwork for buses and bike lanes. The project benefits from its proximity to future transportation hubs, such as the C-line metro station and the Canal du Midi, ensuring ease of access for residents.

The design of the plot itself was influenced by a Public Equipment Easement, which led to a reduction in the original plot size. Despite this constraint, the architects were able to develop a highly functional design, creating three similar-sized residential blocks that rise to four storeys. At the intersection of the two main streets, the volume of the first block is broken down to create a distinctive feature, giving the development a landmark quality at this urban juncture.

Architectural Design and Features

The buildings of "Les Herbettes" are designed to scale to their context, using volume fragmentation to ensure a harmonious fit within the surrounding environment. The three blocks are arranged to create visual breaks and provide easy access to the entrance halls. Each block has been designed to incorporate dual-aspect apartments, optimizing natural light and ventilation.

At the corner of Avenue des Herbettes and Avenue de Lespinet, the design highlights the intersection with a striking architectural feature. The buildings are set on a semi-underground landscaped base, which serves as parking for the residents. This base, elevated 0.90 meters above ground level, creates privacy for the ground-floor apartments by distancing them from street activity. The base gradually adapts to the slope of the terrain, ensuring a seamless integration with the site’s natural topography.

The architectural aesthetic of "Les Herbettes" is defined by a bichrome palette, with natural-colored concrete at the base and white brick facades above. This simple color scheme is complemented by grey metal elements, zinc rainwater downspouts, and raw concrete undersides of the balconies. The simplicity of the design enhances the modern, sleek appearance of the development while maintaining an elegant yet sober look.

A key feature of the design is the continuous perforated sheet metal balconies that run across the entire width of the blocks. These transparent railings provide privacy for the residents while allowing for an open, airy feel that connects the indoors with the outdoors. The balconies also act as generous outdoor spaces, providing visual interest for passersby while benefiting the residents.

Community and Sustainability

The "Les Herbettes" project places a strong emphasis on sustainability. It is designed to achieve an E+/C- certification, a rating delivered by CERQUAL, which targets a 20% reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of the buildings. The development features reinforced thermal insulation with thicker insulating layers, ensuring energy efficiency in both construction and operation. Additionally, photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs provide electricity for the common areas, further reducing the project's environmental impact.

The development also prioritizes green spaces, with a rear green area separating the housing blocks from the neighboring plots. A pedestrian path runs through the open land area, with tall trees planted along the path and in front of the northern facade of the buildings. These green spaces contribute to the overall quality of life for residents, offering both recreational areas and a buffer from the surrounding urban environment.

"Les Herbettes" represents a thoughtful and modern approach to collective housing in Toulouse, blending architectural innovation with sustainable design principles. The project provides high-quality living spaces in a rapidly changing urban context, offering residents access to green spaces, efficient transport, and a harmonious living environment. Through its emphasis on functionality, privacy, and sustainability, "Les Herbettes" sets a new standard for collective housing in the region, helping to shape the future of urban living in Toulouse.

All Photographs are work of Philippe Rol