The Empreinte / Quai Deschamps project in Bordeaux, designed by Brenac & Gonzalez, is a residential development of 88 units that closely engages with the Garonne river landscape. The building’s linear volume, supported by pilotis to allow hydraulic transparency and comply with flood regulations, forms a large monumental porch connecting the riverfront to the heart of the block. The south façades feature a white concrete grid with regular square patterns: this design creates a play of solids and voids that emphasizes the depth of the terraces, generating captivating light and shadow effects, enhanced by glass railings that reflect the surroundings.
In terms of sustainability, the project is part of the wider Bordeaux‑Euratlantique urban development and adopts environmental strategies aimed at integrating nature and architecture: the terraces are conceived as green steps, and the volumes are shaped to maximize light and natural ventilation. The building also features Fiandre ceramic surfaces, in particular Calacatta slabs that provide elegance, durability, and ease of maintenance, perfectly complementing the architectural sobriety.
The result is a refined and lightweight building, capable of combining geometric rigor, high-quality materials, and respect for Bordeaux’s urban landscape, offering a contemporary residence in harmony with the river and modern living needs.
Photo: (c) Stefan Tuchila
