Rei Habitat

Founded in 2009 by Paul Jarquin, Rei Habitat operates as a French real estate development company with a clear focus on sustainable and low-carbon construction. The firm's inception was sparked by Jarquin's visit to an ecological housing exhibition, which crystallized his vision to establish the first ecological property development company in France. Jarquin, who holds a degree in economics from Panthéon-Sorbonne University, had prior experience in finance and real estate in the United States before launching the venture.

Rei Habitat specializes in the construction of collective residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings using timber structures. The company's business model is centered on property development, serving a diverse client base that includes private individuals, professional clients, and social landlords. Geographically, the firm is well-established in the Île-de-France region and has expanded its operations to other major French cities such as Nantes, Lyon, and Montpellier. A core tenet of its strategy is the use of locally sourced French wood, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and to bolster the local forestry and wood industry.

The company's service extends beyond just construction. Through its subsidiary EQO Ingénierie, it provides specialized wood structure engineering services from the design competition phase through to project execution. Another subsidiary, Remake, established in 2016, is dedicated to the circular economy, focusing on reusing materials from construction sites for design, furnishing, and common areas. This integrated approach allows the firm to manage the entire value chain, from sustainable sourcing to the lifecycle of its buildings.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in 2020 when AXA IM - Real Assets acquired a 49% equity stake. This strategic partnership was designed to accelerate Rei Habitat's growth, with plans to develop over 400,000 square meters of housing and offices in timber structures. The company was also the first real estate developer to be awarded the PEFC certification and the 'Bois de France' (French Wood) label, underscoring its commitment to traceability and sustainably managed forests.

Keywords: real estate development, sustainable construction, wood construction, low-carbon buildings, ecological housing, Paul Jarquin, French property developer, timber structures, bio-sourced materials, green building, urban development, circular economy in construction, PEFC certified, Bois de France label, real estate investment, ESG real estate, sustainable urbanism, modular buildings, French wood industry, mixed-use projects