Groupe Franc Architectures, an ongoing adventure

Led by two partners, Gabriel Franc and Yann Daoudlarian, Groupe Franc Architectures is above all the story of a multitude of encounters that have resulted in a human and architectural adventure. Today, the group of architecture and engineering agencies based in Paris, Caen, Le Havre, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Fontainebleau attests to its expertise based on listening, trust and mutual respect.

From renovation to new construction, from small-scale projects to large-scale operations, Groupe Franc architectures approaches every project with pragmatism, without compromising on aesthetics. As a result, even the most ordinary projects are imbued with a sense of sensitivity. Founded forty years ago in Paris by Gérard Franc, the agency has climbed the ladder and, under the leadership of Gabriel Franc and Yann Daoudlarian, acquired several architectural agencies: Agence Franc Le Havre (Amoyal), Agence Franc Bordeaux (Archiconcept) in Mérignac, Polyform Architectes in Caen, Macaddam in Toulouse, Briffaud Architecte in Fontainebleau and, most recently, Agence Franc in Lyon. This core is complemented by Studio Franc, which brings together a wide range of skills, including architectural visualizers, graphic designers, interior architects, designers and other creative professionals who contribute to the group's reputation. Let's take a look at a sample of Groupe Franc Architectures' projects.

Renovation of Dumé d'Aplemont barracks in Le Havre

Who doesn't know the city of Le Havre, a major port city in the Normandy region of northern France? Especially its architecture, which bears the signature of great names in architecture such as Auguste Perret and Oscar Niemeyer. It is in this city with its eventful history that Groupe Franc architectures, formerly known as Jean Amoyal Groupe Franc architectures, is carrying out an exceptional heritage renovation project. The project involves transforming the Dumé d'Aplemont barracks into housing. It is a complex project because the building dates back to 1920 and is in the Art Nouveau style, centred around a large inner courtyard with various architectural features that had to be preserved at all costs. One of the challenges of the project was to preserve the existing structure, transform it and give it a new look that would stand the test of time. The project was carried out in partnership with Maison Marianne and involves the development of 121 homes, including 81 social housing units and 40 units for first-time buyers, as well as an art gallery. The architects studied the complex in detail. They worked to preserve iconic architectural features such as the clock, ornamental helmets, monumental doors and slate tiles, while other elements such as the entrance gate patterns were recreated identically. In addition to its functionality, the project perpetuates the history of the site, preserves a city landmark and transforms it with great skill. Thus, a new chapter is being written for the former Dumé d'Aplemont barracks.

‘Marché Frais’ hypermarket

At first glance, the programme seemed simple: build a ‘Marché Frais’ hypermarket in Argenteuil (Ed.: a commune in the northwestern suburbs of Paris). However, the task was more complicated than it seemed, as it involved clearing a commercial site in a densely populated area to allow for the development of a mixed-use residential project and relocating the ‘Marché Frais’ supermarket to a former brownfield site previously occupied by a Renault workshop/garage. All this was to be realized in an up-and-coming economic development zone. We all know that regenerating old industrial sites is no easy task, in this case the multi-level design of the new shopping centre with 19,850 m² of floor space and approximately 7,000 m² of retail space for Marché Frais. The project took seven years to complete, as it was not easy to reconcile the various urban, land, architectural and regulatory challenges. But the architects succeeded, and the result lives up to the expectations. Located on Boulevard du Général Delambre, the complex is defined by its strong architectural identity. The open and transparent building facilitates access and circulation while being partially concealed behind residential buildings. The site benefits from excellent road access and is becoming a must-see destination in Argenteuil.

SEGRO Park Élancourt

A multi-storey business park with BREEAM Excellent certification has been built in Élancourt, a commune in the western suburbs of Paris. Thanks to the work of Groupe Franc architectures, the commune in the Yvelines department now has multi-storey warehouses that represent a major advance in the field of architecture. The aim of this design is to maximise the use of vertical space to optimise storage and distribution, especially in areas where floor space is limited and expensive. Previously built on the ground floor, warehouses have now taken a step forward. They are now multi-storey, enabling logistics companies to respond effectively to growing demand. Storage capacity is increased. Similarly, the movement of goods between levels is facilitated by the presence of several access ramps for heavy goods vehicles, as well as specially designed goods lifts, which speed up the flow of products inside the building. Within the building, each floor can be dedicated to specific functions, such as reception, storage, order processing or staff offices. The materials used include wood, concrete and steel, a trio that gives the spaces a resolutely modern look. There are many advantages to this type of project and, although the initial cost may seem high at first glance, the long-term benefits are clear. SEGRO Park Élancourt is a brand new development!

Telamon in Coudray-Montceaux

The next project is located in the Haies Blanches business park in Coudray-Montceaux, a commune in the Essonne department in the Île-de-France region of northern France. The plot, owned by project owner Telamon, that is also home to several logistics buildings, now boasts a building skilfully designed by Groupe Franc architectures. The terrain, marked by significant irregularities, made it difficult to construct a logistics building. However, the site and its strategic location, as well as the various constraints resulting from the shape of the plot, led to a radical choice: the creation of an urban landmark with minimalist features but a distinctive appearance. The result is a harmonious ensemble defined by several shades ranging from light grey to anthracite grey. The architecture was born out of constraints and designed to respond favourably to the requirements of the site and its users. While the offices and light vehicle parking are located on the motorway side, the manoeuvring areas for heavy goods vehicles and the delivery hall are relegated to the west of the site. This layout optimises traffic flow. Similarly, with a view to ensuring a pleasant working environment while protecting employees from noise and visual pollution, it was decided to create landscaped embankments around the offices. This solution guarantees comfort for all. In addition, a double skin of dark-coloured perforated metal mesh, reminiscent of a ‘mashrabiya’ (architectural element which is characteristic of traditional architecture in the Islamic world and beyond, Ed.), has been installed to control the amount of light entering the building while preserving interior privacy. This makes the building easily identifiable from a distance. The various workspaces have been optimised to provide a comfortable and pleasant environment. In Coudray-Montceaux, the Telamon project has implemented a multitude of processes to achieve an intelligent result.

Future headquarters of JST in Guyancourt

The future headquarters of JST Group – JRDP is a building with clean lines located on a 5,460 m² site in Guyancourt, a commune in the south-western suburbs of Paris. It is a skilfully designed setting for the head office and R&D department of the Japanese group, a leader in the field of connectivity. Groupe Franc architectures, that was commissioned to carry out the project, worked closely together with Hiroyuki Moriyama Architecture from Japan. The result is a three-storey building. The project, currently under construction, reflects Japanese inspiration in both its architecture and landscaping. The building is designed around three patios and features a multitude of visual openings. It is designed to offer bright, spacious workspaces that are connected to their users. In terms of materials, the architects opted for wood and steel. The landscaped areas are designed as an indoor garden. They feature a variety of plant species and complement the abundant vegetation, creating a sense of serenity. The roof terrace, which is also planted with vegetation, is open to all. Once completed, the future headquarters of JST Group – JRDP will be highly sought after. Committed to their environmental responsibilities, the architects at Groupe Franc architectures are trained in HQE, BREEAM and LEEDS processes. Creativity, trust, skill sharing and performance are the ingredients for the success of the group and its 115 employees.

All pictures © Groupe Franc architectures