Installation of the First Timber Frame Façade (TFF) for the 220 Homes in the Beaumont-Chauveau Barracks Development Zone (ZAC) in Tours

On Wednesday, February 11, the installation of the first Timber Frame Façade (TFF) took place, marking a symbolic milestone on the GA Smart Building construction site.

The TFF is a prefabricated panel manufactured in the factory, composed of timber cladding, a timber frame structure, acoustic and thermal insulation, windows, shading devices, finishes, etc. After the TFF is manufactured in our factories, it is transported to the site by truck and includes all the expected finishes. Upon delivery to the site, the workers prepare the fixing area, check safety requirements, and then lift the panel using a crane. During installation, the TFF is received by the workers in the installation area and then fixed onto the building’s concrete façade.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Emmanuel Denis, Mayor of Tours; Cathy Savourey, Deputy Mayor in charge of Urban Planning, Major Urban Projects and Public Space Development for the City of Tours; Isabelle Carron, Chief Executive Officer of Set AMÉNAGEMENT; Magali Volkwein from D&A; and Sophie Meynet, Managing Director of Residential Real Estate (Rooj by GA brand) at GA Smart Building.

Rooj-les Casernes represents a major transformation of a former military brownfield site located in the heart of Tours.

In October 2022, following a process involving local residents and users of the neighborhood, the Devillers et Associés (D&A) team was selected as chief urban planner to redefine the ZAC development project. The project redesigned by D&A promotes the Touraine lifestyle and the Loire garden-city concept, where vegetation, open soil, and bioclimatic design are central to the project, while respecting the existing site and previously initiated projects.

The Beaumont-Chauveau Barracks ZAC, whose development was entrusted by the City of Tours to the Société d’Équipement de la Touraine AMÉNAGEMENT (Set AMÉNAGEMENT), covers approximately 10 hectares. Ultimately, the district will include around 780 homes. About 400 homes have already been delivered or are under construction on “block 14”, to which the 220 Rooj by GA homes—designed by the three architectural firms D&A, Oslo Architectes, and Atelier RVL—will be added. These homes will benefit from a network of public spaces including gardens, squares, and calm, landscaped pathways designed to meet residents’ needs.

Inspired by the architecture of the former barracks, the base of the buildings is designed as a mineral plinth (in stained patterned concrete or stone) at ground floor level, recalling the history of the site. On the upper floors, the architecture adopts forms reminiscent of houses with pitched roofs—a nod to the preserved former stables (now the “Tiers-lieu les Beaumonts”)—creating a visual balance between past and present.

The real estate program is located between Rue du Capitaine Pougnon and Rue François Richer, separated by Rue du Plat d’Étain, close to the center of Tours. It is easily accessible via bus lines 4 and 5 and will benefit from the future arrival of tramway Line 2 in 2028, further strengthening soft mobility for residents. Major highways (A10, A28) provide quick access to other major cities, while Tours railway station offers rapid connections to Paris and Le Mans.

The 220 homes are divided into two distinct sectors, Beaumont and Chauveau, with a diversified offer designed to meet different needs:

• North side – Chauveau (1st construction phase)
  • 62 homes for private ownership
• South side – Beaumont (1st construction phase)
  • 40 social housing units for LIGERIS
  • 34 social housing units for TOURS MÉTROPOLE HABITAT
  • 15 social rental housing units (LLS) for TONUS TERRITOIRE
  • 1,173 m² of commercial space contributing to neighborhood activity
• South side – Beaumont (2nd construction phase)
  • 26 intermediate rental housing units (LLI) for SCALLIS
  • 227 m² of commercial space
• North side – Chauveau (3rd construction phase)
  • 18 homes for private ownership, from T2 to T5
• North side – Chauveau (4th construction phase)
  • 25 homes for private ownership, from T2 to T5
  • 260 m² of commercial space

Most of the homes will be dual-aspect or cross-ventilated, maximizing natural light and enabling natural ventilation for optimal comfort. Each home will open onto large balconies, loggias, or terraces, offering private outdoor space. The buildings will also be served by external walkways.

The Rooj-Les Casernes project in Tours stands out for its strong commitment to biodiversity preservation. Numerous green spaces, including meeting areas and landscaped swales, are integrated into the project to combat soil sealing and support ecological regeneration. These features will allow residents to enjoy a pleasant living environment in harmony with nature while contributing to sustainable rainwater management. Particular attention is also given to resource management, especially water, with systems designed to reduce consumption and enable reuse.

The project targets environmental objectives aligned with RE2020 requirements (2025 thresholds). More than 50% of the structures will be built in timber, with timber-frame façades starting from level R+1. This approach reduces the project’s carbon footprint while delivering high thermal performance.

The homes will achieve an A energy rating, ensuring lower energy bills for future residents.

The development will also benefit from GA Smart Building’s off-site construction methods for metal balconies, patterned concrete elements, and timber frame façades. This process allows full control of the construction chain—from design to the manufacturing of structural components in the French factories of Ossabois. These components are then assembled on site, reducing disturbances for nearby residents and optimizing delivery timelines. This industrialized approach ensures zero-defect execution while limiting carbon emissions associated with construction.

The commercial launch of the first phase took place in June 2024 for the construction of 62 homes for private ownership, currently under construction. Work began in April 2025 for 89 social housing units, while construction of the private ownership lots started in May 2025. The first delivery is expected in Q4 2026 for the social housing units and Q1 2027 for the privately owned homes.