The TAA agency presents one of its projects: “Cour du Dôme”, which involves the new construction of a mixed-use program including 226 housing units ranging from T2 to T5 within a collective residential building, a 4-star Adagio hotel residence with 114 rooms, and 7 commercial units in Toulouse (Occitanie Region, France).
Urban and Historical Context
The Cour du Dôme project is located in the heart of the Saint-Cyprien district on the left bank of the Garonne River, in an area marked by a strong heritage identity. The monumental complex of La Grave — whose iconic dome of the Saint-Joseph chapel is one of the city’s major landmarks — has shaped the urban history of the site for centuries.
The former presence of the Claudius Régaud Institute (the former Toulouse Cancer Research Center), relocated to the Oncopole in 2014, freed up a block that had long remained closed off, paving the way for a major transformation.
Nestled between the centrality of Place Saint-Cyprien and the Garonne, the site benefits from a deeply historic setting. Many nearby buildings are listed — such as the Musée des Abattoirs and the La Grave Hospital — reinforcing the cultural value of the surroundings. Particular attention has been paid to enhancing the site’s historical significance and its aesthetic quality, under the guidance of the Architect of Buildings of France.
Urban Development
The project is part of the urban strategy initiated by Toulouse Métropole and the studies by Joan Busquets, who identified this sector as a missing link in the metropolitan green corridor connecting the major public spaces of the left bank. Cour du Dôme strengthens the landscape continuity between the Prairie des Filtres, the Raymond VI Garden, and the Musée des Abattoirs, while reintroducing pedestrian pathways and an urban porosity that had long disappeared.
This exceptional site has been approached with the utmost care to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric, while embodying the ambitions of a metropolis reconnecting with its river and its heritage assets.
Long inaccessible due to its previous functions, the La Grave block features remarkable architectural heritage through its materials, proportions, and system of courtyards — all worthy of being revealed. The project’s layout forms an interface between the classic urban fabric of the Saint-Cyprien block and the hospital’s courtyard network. A dialogue is thus established between contemporary architecture and historical heritage, allowing each to enhance the other without falling into pastiche or contrast.
With this in mind, design choices focused on a structured built system inspired by the solidity of the hospital buildings. However, generous openings were incorporated to connect interior spaces with the outdoors. The quality of construction materials was considered essential: brick and stone were prioritized. The careful design of the façades — their rhythms, textures, and depth — allows natural light to create subtle variations throughout the day.
A 30% reduction in ground coverage and the planting of over 50 trees contribute to the neighborhood’s ventilation and re-greening. The site also benefits from excellent public transport accessibility: Saint-Cyprien metro station, 11 bus lines, and 7 VélÔToulouse stations within a 5-minute walk. This strategic location reinforces its role as a major urban hub.
Architectural Project
The architecture of Cour du Dôme is conceived as a clear yet nuanced dialogue between historical continuity and contemporary design. The project is built on three fundamental principles: materiality, proportion, and relationship to the wider landscape.
Contextual and Refined Materiality
The choice of brique foraine, typical of Toulouse, stands as a defining element. Its irregular texture, porosity, and chromatic variations echo the vibrancy of historic façades while establishing a controlled modernity. Three shades of brick were blended, following prototype testing, to achieve a palette consistent with the historic buildings of La Grave.
Frames, cornices, and mouldings were crafted in molded or cut brick, creating subtle shadow effects throughout the day. The attics, designed in prefabricated concrete and light aluminum, provide a smooth transition between the mineral base and the sky.
A Structured Composition Inspired by La Grave
The volumes echo the massive character of the historic hospital buildings. The project is organized around a system of regular grids, offering robustness and rhythm while accommodating deep loggias. These recesses provide high-quality private outdoor spaces and a visual breathing effect, animating the façades and revealing their depth.
Lightweight Attics in Dialogue with the Sky
The attic levels, designed with prefabricated light concrete and aluminum panels, create a gentle transition between the brick masses and the sky. Their height matches that of the wings of the historic hospital, establishing a respectful and measured relationship with the neighboring listed monument.
A Visual Composition Centered on the La Grave Dome
The layout of the buildings is designed to reveal framed views of the dome from public spaces and housing units. Visual corridors, varied building heights, and alignments create a constant dialogue between the new development and the historical silhouette. Extending Rue Piquemil restores a viewpoint onto the La Grave Hospital for pedestrians.
From the inner courtyard, a major visual axis brings the monument back to the forefront, making it a daily landmark for residents — from wide panoramas to vertical framing. The project does not isolate itself from its environment but rather extends it, activating it through its visual compositions.
A Large Planted Courtyard at the Heart of the Block
Echoing the traditional layout of La Grave, the central courtyard offers a generous landscaped space planted with local species. Its geometry brings light, coolness, and quality of life, while opening cross-views between the different buildings.
The result is an architectural expression that is both strong and delicate — respectful of the site and capable of revealing its historical layers without imitation. This balanced approach was recognized with the 2023 Occitanie Silver Pyramid Award in the “Heritage and Urban Quality” category.