Europe 40 Under 40 Awards Tell a friend

Moulins, France

La Maison de la Rivière (River House) is part of the Allier banks' larger development project. The main objective is to create physical and emotional links between the city and the river.

The above is presented in the fluid internal and external access and circulation: the link between the banks and the bridge leading to the city center takes place along a gently sloped promenade that runs alongside the building.

The restoration of the existing warehouses reveals the remains of a singular architecture with an industrial character: the concrete structure of one of the warehouses is visible at the restaurant; while, a wooden hole is preserved in order to house the canoe and bikes workshops as well as a section of the outdoor spaces.

All of the new build elements are made of a wooden frame. Brick is used on the urban front, while woven wicker panels punctuate the widely open facades along the river.

The project fosters a virtuous architecture through the preservation and reintegration of existing buildings as well as the use of bio-based materials (good structure, good clothing, terra-cotta break for sod, go to whole insulation). In addition, the building incorporates a photovoltaic panels energy system and the rainwater collection tank to be used in cleaning rooms.