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An architecture that takes root in osmosis with the forest

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The Empreinte project: an innovative biomimetic architecture in the heart of Toulouse

Ecology and innovation merge

The Empreinte project, designed for the competition of the future headquarters of the Caisse d'Épargne Midi-Pyrénées in Toulouse, embodies an ambitious ecological transition by combining innovative architecture and respect for the environment. Orchestrated in close collaboration with GA Smart Building, project manager, this 8,000 m² building was designed to integrate harmoniously into the neighboring forest.

Nature inspires innovative architecture

Our biomimetic approach, inspired by nature, aims to integrate the building into its local ecosystem. The organization of flows and spaces is inspired by the rhizomic form of roots, symbolizing a deep connection with nature and promoting a better organization of interior flows.

Regenerative architecture that inspires the banking ecosystem

Our proposal highlights a regenerative architecture, with facades that passively react to climatic variations, optimized for natural lighting and ventilation, thus reducing the building's carbon footprint. Water management systems mimic its natural cycle, and the omnipresent wood, a sustainable material par excellence, offers a natural aesthetic harmoniously blended into the landscape. The modular and flexible spaces encourage interaction and encounters, both inside and outside. With a central square named the clearing, vegetated terraces and an accessible rooftop, Empreinte is more than a building, it's a harmonious ecosystem that brings people together.
Bechu et Associés - Image

Faced with the challenges of climate change, the project for the future headquarters of Caisse d'Épargne Midi Pyrénées, named Empreinte, stands out for its innovative and bio-inspired architecture, focused on sustainable development. Inspired by the proximity of a generous forest, the design is part of a biomimetic approach, seeking to harmonize the building with its natural environment, drawing inspiration notably from the rhizomic form of roots for the organization of flows and spaces.

Bechu & Associés|Architects
Bechu et Associés - Image

The design of the project is eco-systemic, seeking to integrate the building into the local natural cycle, while anticipating future climate challenges.

It highlights principles of sobriety and symbiotic relationships, borrowed from the functioning of living organisms, aiming to optimize the use of resources while promoting multi-scale cooperation. Regenerative architecture is a key element, with facades designed to optimize natural lighting and ventilation, while reducing the building's carbon footprint.

The Empreinte project also aims to create a harmonious ecosystem that brings people together, by offering modular and flexible spaces that encourage interaction and encounters, both inside and outside. It includes vegetated terraces, an accessible rooftop, and a central square named the clearing that acts as the vibrant heart of the campus, orchestrating circulation and interaction between spaces.


Innovation is also reflected in the use of bio-based and geo-sourced materials.

Bechu et Associés - Image
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Supporting a bioclimatic approach that focuses on energy optimization and user comfort, the project envisions a respectful and enriching integration with the surrounding forest, promoting biodiversity and the link between humans and nature.

In sum, Empreinte embodies an ambitious ecological transition, aiming to reconcile modern architecture and respect for the environment, while positioning Caisse d'Épargne Midi Pyrénées as a committed and innovative actor in its territory.

Bechu et Associés - Image
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The remarkable points of the project.

Innovative and eco-responsible architecture inspired by biomimicry.

Bechu et Associés - Image

1. Optimized use of natural resources and minimization of ecological footprint. 2. Sustainable materials with low environmental impact. 3. Facade reactive to climatic variations, illustrating natural self-regulation. 4. Water management systems mimicking the natural water cycle. 5. Natural aesthetic that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. 6. Commitment to sustainability manifest in every aspect of the project.

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We would like to thank our co-contractors Vincent Lion, BIOCENYS, ETAMINE and Planète Acoustique for their valuable collaboration in this ambitious project. Although we did not win this competition, the vision of Empreinte supports our R&D, reflecting our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

Bechu et Associés - Image

Bechu et Associés - Image
Bechu et Associés - Image