Geological formations inform MVRDV’s new residential complex completed in the riverside of Rennes, France.

Named Ascension Paysagère, the 8,200-square-metre complex, designed by MVRDV and co-architects ALL, contributes to Rennes’ outward growth with much-needed density in an undulating form that comprises three peaks.

Developed for Paris-based real estate developer Groupe Giboire, Ascension Paysagère, reaching at maximum 12-storey height in the centre, consists of 138 homes in a variety of sizes and price ranges, including 37 units of social housing.

Besides its residential programme, the complex incorporates commercial spaces and pleasant new public spaces in a green waterside environment.

Occupying a crucial transitional space between the Rennes’ centre and its outer reaches, the residential complex is situated at the confluence of two rivers in the west of Rennes, France.

“In 2018, French magazine l’Express called Rennes the most liveable city in France and, combined with the arrival of a new TGV connection in 2017, this attractiveness has led to a continued population growth,” said MVRDV.

“The many heritage buildings in the city’s centre have shifted this expansion pressure outwards, requiring the periphery to grow either outwards into the countryside or – preferably – upwards with a pleasant approach to densification.”

“Positioned precisely where the Ille River joins the Vilaine, across from the green floating park of the Jardin de la Confluence, at the end of the now-pedestrianised thoroughfare of Mail François Mitterrand, Ascension Paysagère’s highly visible location required an exemplary approach to this perimeter densification,” the office added.

MVRDV takes cues from “geological formations” for this project. Two curving buildings; one large and one small, with gradually receding slopes, makes up the whole complex.

By the river, and at points where the project approaches its neighbours, the buildings are designed low-rise, acknowledging the expansive layout in order to adapt its contextual parameters.

Elsewhere in the project site, the design gradually steps up into three peaks, reaching the maximum 12-storey height in the centre of the site.

The terraces created by these gradual step-backs are dominated with plant-filled plots, to move the lush atmosphere of the riverbank upwards to the apartments even at the very top of the building.