Fontainebleau

The former military barracks of 0.9 ha ("Quartier Chataux") was acquired in November 2017 as part of a tender organised by the French government. It is located near the centre of Fontainebleau in a sought-after residential area. It is the largest municipality in the Île-de-France region, almost entirely covered by forest, which also extends on neighbouring municipalities (25,000 ha in total).

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Extensive refurbishment of the existing main building, including demolition, ammunition removal, cleaning and asbestos removal has been carried out. Demolition of multiple asbestos-contaminated outbuildings and environmental remediation of the underground parking area (management of polluted soil) have also been completed.

The design of the site plan was produced in cooperation with the competent authorities and the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (architectural review board). It includes a total of around 8,500 sqm devoted exclusively to housing units, 25% of which is social housing. Buildings of no historical interest have not been retained.

A large area is maintained open in front of the former barracks, playing landscaping and technical functions (including rainwater harvesting), while enhancing the architectural features of the development.

A large area is maintained open in front of the former barracks, playing landscaping and technical functions (including rainwater harvesting), while enhancing the architectural features of the development.