The Aubagne development by Ceetrus x Nhood integrates extensive green spaces, uses local materials, and strongly focuses on social inclusivity, creating a community-centered urban ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Ceetrus and Nhood Partnership: Ceetrus collaborates with Nhood to drive sustainable, community-focused urban regeneration.
- Aubagne Development: A project near Marseille transforms a one-hectare site into a green, community-centered space with commercial, residential, and public areas.
- Sustainability Materials: The project uses local hemp concrete, reducing carbon emissions and supporting regional farmers.
- Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation: Exceeding environmental regulations, 30% of the area is dedicated to greenery, using sustainable features like green roofs.
- Social and Economic Inclusion: Urban agriculture, community workshops, and a solidarity-driven restaurant promote social equity and local engagement.
- Long-Term Vision: Ceetrus aims to create adaptable, sustainable urban spaces prepared for future challenges like climate change.
The Collaboration Between Ceetrus and Nhood
Ceetrus, formerly known as Immochan, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1976 as the real estate arm of Auchan. Over the decades, the company has expanded its portfolio beyond managing commercial centers to embracing a broader vision of urban development.
Today, Ceetrus stands as a key player in sustainable and community-focused real estate projects, blending commercial, residential, and public spaces to foster vibrant, livable environments. This transformation aligns with a growing recognition within the company of the need to contribute positively to the urban landscape, responding to the evolving demands of cities and their inhabitants.
The collaboration between Ceetrus and Nhood, its subsidiary focused on urban regeneration, exemplifies this commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Nhood was created to lead the charge in projects that meet economic objectives and address social and environmental challenges. The partnership between Ceetrus and Nhood involves responsible development: reducing carbon footprints, increasing biodiversity, and promoting social inclusion through innovative urban solutions.
“Our collaboration with Nhood allows us to reimagine spaces that serve the community, not just as places to shop or live, but as ecosystems that enhance the quality of life while respecting the planet,” Étienne Dupuy, Ceetrus CEO, said in an interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine.
One of the most ambitious projects emerging from this partnership is the development of Aubagne, a town near Marseille. Set within the La Martelle commercial area, the Aubagne development seeks to transform a nearly one-hectare site into a “Halte Ressourçante,” or a green, rejuvenating space that integrates modern urban living with a deep respect for the natural environment. The project was partially delivered by October 2023, with full completion expected by 2025.
Local Materials and Supporting Regional Farmers
Dupuy explained how using local materials, such as hemp concrete, supports regional farmers and drastically reduces the project’s carbon footprint. By sourcing hemp from local farmers, Ceetrus and Nhood are fostering a stronger connection between the construction industry and the agricultural sector.
The use of hemp concrete, which combines the plant’s fibers with a lime-based binder, results in a carbon-negative material—absorbing more CO2 than it emits during production—and is highly insulating and durable.
“We are using hempconcrete that reduces carbon impact by 600 times compared to traditional materials,” the CEO explained, emphasizing the dual importance of local sourcing and sustainability in the construction process.
READ more on hemp concrete here.
Ceetrus has launched several initiatives to support farmers, emphasizing sustainability and carbon reduction. Through a partnership with Agoterra, Ceetrus will assist about 60 farmers over the next 15 years in adopting sustainable farming practices, especially soil conservation. This initiative aims to sequester carbon more effectively than forests, helping Ceetrus achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The company also financially supports these efforts by purchasing carbon credits from the farmers.
In collaboration with Foodbiome, Ceetrus is advancing projects related to sustainable agriculture. By joining the “Point d’agriculture du vivant” network, Ceetrus is reinforcing its commitment to practices that prioritize living ecosystems, furthering the impact of sustainable agricultural methods.
Ceetrus is also investing in agricultural education, particularly permaculture. They are partnering with organizations like Cultiv, which has opened a permaculture university and farm school in Vendée. Ceetrus plans to provide sites near their locations for these educational initiatives, training the next generation of farmers in sustainable practices.
Designed to Exceed Local Environmental Regulations
The Aubagne project is also notable for its forward-thinking approach to climate adaptation. Recognizing the region’s vulnerability to climate change, Ceetrus and Nhood have designed the site to exceed local environmental regulations, with 30% of the area dedicated to vegetation, surpassing the required 20%. This green coverage aims at mitigating the urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the overall microclimate of the area.
Integrating green roofs, permeable surfaces, and native plant species further reinforces the site’s resilience to changing climate conditions. This effort is part of a broader strategy to de-artificialize urban spaces and increase green coverage, creating a more resilient and sustainable urban environment.
Certain challenges remain, as Dupuy mentioned. One significant issue is the existing extensive urban sprawl, which has led to low-density development and excessive land use, creating a need to rethink and optimize land use in future projects. The financial burden of transforming existing sites into more sustainable spaces is also burdensome as it can be costly and requires careful planning to avoid creating unneeded infrastructure.
The CEO acknowledged the challenges ahead, but he remains optimistic. He emphasized that this project is a long-term investment in the community’s future, designed to adapt to evolving environmental conditions and societal needs.
“We’re not just building for today; we’re creating spaces that will thrive in the decades to come,” he stated.
Inclusive Reshaping of Urban Developments
The Aubagne project is a microcosm of Ceetrus and Nhood’s larger mission: to develop urban spaces that are economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. This ambitious vision is rooted in the belief that urban development should serve the needs of all community members, from residents and local businesses to the environment itself.
By prioritizing inclusivity, Ceetrus and Nhood are reshaping the traditional approach to real estate, moving away from purely profit-driven models toward developments that foster community, enhance social equity, and minimize environmental impact. The Aubagne project blends residential, commercial, and public spaces. It includes a solidarity-driven restaurant, urban agriculture spaces, and a resource center with DIY workshops to exemplify a commitment to social inclusivity, offering opportunities for community engagement, skill development, and local economic support.
The design anticipates future challenges, such as climate change and social shifts. The focus on creating pedestrian-friendly areas, enhancing green spaces, and incorporating sustainable materials reflects a broader strategy to develop urban environments that are resilient, adaptable, and inclusive.
The project incorporates several novel architectural elements that blend sustainability with innovative design. One of the standout features is the extensive use of hempcrete, providing excellent insulation and moisture regulation.
Additionally, the project emphasizes biophilic design principles, integrating natural elements into the built environment to create a harmonious relationship between the structure and its surroundings. The use of greenery, natural light, and organic materials fosters a connection to nature, enhancing the well-being of its occupants.
The modular design of the spaces allows for flexibility in use and adaptation over time. This approach supports the long-term viability of the development, ensuring that it can evolve with changing needs without significant structural alterations.
“Our projects are not just about buildings—they are about creating a better future for our cities and the people who live in them.”
This philosophy underscores the broader impact that Ceetrus and Nhood aim to achieve through their developments. It’s not just about constructing new buildings or revitalizing old ones; it’s about creating spaces that enhance the overall quality of life, foster a sense of community, and contribute to a sustainable future.
