A new student residence honoring the legendary performer Joséphine Baker has opened in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France, demonstrating innovative sustainable design principles in an alpine setting. The 9,999-square-meter mixed-use project, completed in 2025, was designed through a collaboration between Ateliers A+ and Atelier Métis, with photography by Camille Gharbi.
Located in the heart of a remarkable alpine landscape, the Joséphine Baker student residence establishes a close connection with its surrounding environment through architecture that combines precise geometric volumes with thoughtful material selection. The design team prioritized creating a dialogue between the built structure and the natural mountain setting, ensuring the project preserves both the spirit and ecological richness of the site.
The project is driven by comprehensive bioclimatic design principles that emphasize environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Renewable energy systems have been integrated throughout the building, with particular attention paid to summer comfort strategies that reduce the need for mechanical cooling. The architects made deliberate choices in selecting sustainable construction materials, contributing to the building's exemplary energy performance and significantly reduced carbon footprint.
The development was realized through collaboration with several key partners, including general contractors CROUS Grenoble Alpes, SDE, and Société Dauphinoise pour l'Habitat. Landscape architecture was provided by H2MPC, while engineering and consulting services were handled by multiple specialized firms including CET bâtiment et énergie, IDE de Projet, Converso TP, and GESCEM. Environmental sustainability consulting was provided by Canopée, with structural engineering by Betrec IG, acoustic consulting by Echologos, and MEP services by Busseuil/Guiboud. Interior design was completed by Rondy Forestier.
The residence represents a significant achievement in sustainable student housing, combining functional living spaces with environmental responsibility. The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can successfully integrate with sensitive alpine environments while meeting the practical needs of student residents. The building's design approach offers a model for future educational and residential developments in similar mountain settings, proving that sustainability and architectural excellence can work hand in hand to create inspiring living environments.
