New campus opens in 2026

Foncière du Château Saint-Léger has announced the creation of IXCAMPUS, a hybrid technological and university campus in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, set to open in 2026. The project is designed by Baumschlager Eberle Architectes and will include 17,685 m² of built surface.

Site location and significance

The campus is located on a 40,000 m² site within the park of the Château Saint-Léger, an 1886 villa. The area has been designated as Territoire d'Industrie and Grand Lieu d'Innovation since 2019, highlighting its importance for innovation and industry.

Campus design and layout

The campus will consist of two main buildings: the Grande Orangerie, a long teaching building, and the Incubator, which has a cruciform outline. The design emphasizes a connection with nature, inspired by prestigious university campuses in England and the United States.

Architectural features and sustainability

The project incorporates an ambitious landscaping strategy and uses wooden prefabrication to blend the buildings with the natural environment. The Grande Orangerie will be built between century-old trees, with its height minimized through site excavation to create a slight depression.

Integration with historical elements

At the entrance, the design includes elements reminiscent of 18th-century picturesque gardens, with "fabriques" — small pavilions that mix ancient ruins, gothic fantasies, and exotic architectures. These elements add historical and aesthetic value to the site.

Future flexibility and purpose

The campus is designed to encourage collaboration between research and entrepreneurship. The architecture is flexible, allowing the site to potentially be converted into student housing, a hotel, a school, or a museum in the future.