Constructed in 1895 as an industrial flour mill, the building is the first large-scale structure in reinforced concrete following the experimental process by François Hennebique (1842-1891). Over the years, it served as mill, warehouse and – after renovation in the 1970s – as office. Today it stands vacant, a last iconic remnant of a dense industrial zone between the Loire shores and the stone quarry ‘Miséry’.
Although the structure poses considerable technical challenges, the City of Nantes is determined to re-purpose the building with a public program of a public library, workshops, restaurants and the Jules Verne museum.
Neutelings Riedijk Architects, together with Nantes-based ARS architectes-urbanistes, have designed a transformation concept as a tribute to Hennebique’s innovation and Verne’s imagination. The heart of the design is an indoor covered garden, where the surrounding ‘jardin extraordinaire’ enters the historical concrete structure and connects to the Loire river. A new, green, public space, opening up to a wide staircase, meandering up to the Jules Verne museum and the public rooftop garden with spectacular views of the city, to be enjoyed by all.
The project will be an urban ‘hinge’, connecting the river boulevard from the historic city centre to the vibrant former harbour zone, welcoming locals and visitors from all directions for an enriching and deepening encounter with the history of Nantes, the stories and imagery of Jules Verne and the wonders of biodiversity. The project will be exemplary in terms of sustainability, making use of local and renewable energy resources like wind and geothermal energy, applying passive principles of inertia and natural ventilation and applying circular and bio-based building materials.
