“Functional diversity serving social cohesion”


Located within the municipality of Bussy Saint-Georges, the Sycomore will host 3,000 to 5,000 housing units as part of a programmed search for social and functional balance through housing, public facilities, proximity retail...


The site for the Sycomore eco-neighbourhood in Bussy Saint-Georges © Epamarne

The Sycomore eco-neighbourhood represents a vital urban element designed as a hinge between existing neighbourhoods. It will strengthen the integration of the natural and historical heritage by opening the Parc du Génitoy on to the farmland of Jossigny plain, extending the Jacques-de-Thou Promenade towards Ferrières Forest, and paying due attention to the visual perspectives running from the Génitoy farm to the chateaux of Ferrières and Jossigny.

Stretching across about 120 hectares, the eco-neighbourhood will include:

  • Housing, 20 to 30% of which will be social housing
  • Proximity retail, offices and businesses
  • Public facilities: school complex, leisure centre, day care centre, collège (high school), lycée (grammar school)
  • An urban park adjacent to the Génitoy farm

Innovative development initiatives will be carried out: passive- or positive-energy buildings, alternative water sanitation schemes, very high speed access for ICT networks, a transport scheme based on segregated-lane public transport and a second RER station, pedestrian/cycling links, etc. The eco-neighbourhood’s environmental performance will be assessed via a referent carbon footprint established for the entire municipality.

In early 2010, EPAMARNE and the municipality of Bussy Saint-Georges asked ICADE and the Immobilière d’Ile-de-France Company to deliver the first housing units in the “Sycomore” eco-neighbourhood. Those initial programmes represent the delivery of about 110 new housing units each, including 70% for assisted home ownership schemes and 30% for social rental housing. The developers are committed to a “Habitat & Environment” certification issued by Cerqual1. Accordingly, they are aiming at a very high level of environmental performance in terms of energy, rainwater management and materials used.

Housing by IMMOBILIERE IDF in Bussy Saint-Georges © Architect: CITE ARCHITECTURE
Housing by ICADE in Bussy Saint-Georges © Architect: AD ARCHITECTURE

1:Cerqual: An agency empowered by the Government to issue certification for collective housing. Habitat & Environment certification vouches for comfort and usage quality relating to sustainable development requirements