context
Striking for the location of the project are the contrasting urban fabrics of the neighbourhoods Bressoux and Droixhe. While Droixhe features modernist towers, Bressoux is characterized by organically grown 19th-century dense housing blocks. The site location itself is marked by remnants of demolished 20-story towers.
In this context, the new design aims to mend the existing urban structures by introducing a park-villa typology. This intervention bridges the gap between the large-scale towers and the intimate density of the housing blocks, creating a harmonious and balanced urban environment that integrates nature and human-scale living.
co-housing
The building blocks house a vibrant co-housing community, where shared facilities such as laundry rooms, bike storage, and vegetable gardens create opportunities for neighbors to connect and build relationships. The convenience of shared car parking and the presence of co-working spaces and workshops foster collaboration and provide a space for residents to start local businesses.
The communal kitchens, centrally located within the open floor plan, serve as the focal point for social gatherings. The housing typologies are designed by the future users themselves, promoting interaction and a strong sense of belonging through a cooperative approach. The plinth of the buildings house several public functions and entrances to the homes to stimulate all-day activity on the street.
adaptability
The design embraces adaptability with an open floor plan that maximizes flexibility. The load-bearing facade and core allow for an open layout that can accommodate various functions. Standardized grid sizes are used, creating highly usable room proportions that can easily be adapted to changing needs. By over-dimensioning spaces, the design provides room for different activities, ensuring a versatile and adaptable environment that can evolve along with the users’ requirements.
structure
The building’s structure combines a CLT load-bearing system on top of a concrete basement, providing a sustainable and sturdy foundation. Inside, simple wooden paneling partition walls create flexible spaces that can easily be reconfigured. Natural ventilation is incorporated to promote a healthy indoor environment, while sunshading elements, controlled by the users, add a unique touch. Unlike traditional closed-off shutters, the bright orange sunshading design allows glimpses of life inside the building, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that showcases the dynamic community within.
