The Toulon Naval Base, known as the Arsenal, is a historically significant site that embodies the identity of the city and its inhabitants. With more than 20,000 civilian and military personnel, it serves as a major economic and social driver while remaining a closed, reserved, and highly secure space. As Europe’s largest defense port, it holds national pride, yet its limited connection to the city of Toulon reflects an urban imbalance. In 2024, the Arsenal is undergoing a transformation, balancing historical preservation with ecological urgency to create functional, comfortable, and environmentally responsible living spaces.
TOULON NAVAL BASE
CALL FOR PROJECTS: CONSTRUCTION OF A RESTAURANT AND REHABILITATION OF A HISTORIC BUILDING
The current state of the Arsenal reveals several challenges. The historic former bakery building, once dedicated to producing sea biscuits, had become fragmented and absorbed into a heterogeneous ensemble, diminishing its heritage value and functionality. The surrounding infrastructure lacked coherence and did not fully meet modern functional, ecological, and aesthetic standards. Furthermore, the rigid layout of spaces restricted adaptability to future needs, and the site suffered from poor integration with the city and its waterfront.
The project aimed to restore the former bakery, preserving its historical significance while adapting it for contemporary use. The goal was to create a refuge-like building, a welcoming, flexible, and modular space visible from Castigneau Gate. The challenge was to anticipate future needs while minimizing environmental impact through the use of local and sustainable materials. The design also sought to strengthen the connection between the Arsenal and the city by introducing a green landscaped space, fostering relaxation and daily well-being.
The architectural concept was based on a solid stone base building, incorporating large round-arched openings inspired by the bakery’s original design. These openings created a dialogue between the interior and exterior, referencing Vauban’s architectural style. The compact and functional layout was organized around a central courtyard, enhancing circulation and visual perspectives.
A lightweight, modular wooden extension was planned for the rooftop to accommodate locker rooms and adapt to future needs. This removable structure featured a flexible construction grid, allowing for potential vertical expansion or functional changes. Wood was also used for solar shading devices and insulation, ensuring a harmonious thermal and aesthetic response suited to the regional context.
The rehabilitation of the bakery emphasized its heritage elements while integrating modern and sustainable solutions. The façades were carefully designed to ensure architectural consistency, while perspectives opened onto gardens and communal spaces. The continuity between buildings was reinforced through a tinted concrete parapet, visually unifying the volumes while enhancing structural stability.
This project, proposed by Chatillon Architectes*, envisioned the Arsenal within a contemporary framework, one that respects its historical past while embracing the future challenges of sustainability, adaptability, and user well-being.
