Heliantus, des bâtiments en bois Héliotropes à Tolbiac

To foster greater urbanity—understood here as architectural courtesy toward neighbouring buildings—this project introduces deliberate porosity by opening up to the adjacent parcel and the heart of the block. The courtyard-facing façade, designed to be a prominent visual element even from afar, features a surprising vertical garden nestled within its voids, extending into the inner courtyard.

These two voids bring natural light into circulation areas and secondary rooms, accommodating terraces, shared landings, and ancillary spaces such as laundry drying areas and storage rooms. The voids are inhabited by protruding elements—“nests” crafted from branches and twigs—providing residents with open-air living spaces.

Programme	75 housing units, retail
Floor area	4 900 m² housing, 1 000 m² retail
Project owner	Immobilière 3F
Location	Paris, France
Design team	Architect Loci Anima
Construction cost (excluding VAT)	8.7 M €
Certifications	Habitat and Environment
Dates	2012

The Heliantus project, designed by the firm Loci Anima, is a social housing complex located in the Tolbiac neighborhood of Paris. This innovative project stands out for its wooden architecture and bioclimatic approach.

Program and features
Floor area: 5,900 m²
Program: Social housing, retail spaces
Client: Immobilière 3F
Location: Paris, France
Construction cost (excl. tax): €8.7 million
Delivery date: 2012
Certifications: Habitat et Environnement

Architectural approach
Loci Anima designed Heliantus as a set of “heliotropic” wooden buildings, meaning they are oriented to optimally capture natural light. The façades feature vegetated “nests” that provide private outdoor spaces for residents. The volumes are organized around two central voids, bringing natural light and ventilation to the corridors and communal areas.

Urban and environmental integration
The project is part of an urban fabric reclamation effort, encouraging permeability between the building and its environment. Outdoor spaces are designed to promote social interaction and residents’ well-being. The use of wood, a bio-based material, helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion
The Heliantus project illustrates Loci Anima’s commitment to designing sustainable, integrated, and environmentally respectful living spaces. It also demonstrates the possibility of combining energy performance, architectural quality, and resident well-being in social housing.