Steps and diagonal

Idea projektu

In response to the need to densify suburban areas on the outskirts of Paris, the renovation of single-family homes in Clamart offers an opportunity for a respectful and sustainable transformation. This project seeks to redesign a suburban neighborhood by introducing two new housing typologies, connected to three existing houses that have been preserved and renovated.

Popis projektu

To densify a suburban neighborhood in Clamart, in France, a set of two new housing typologies were added and connected by a shared desk that wraps around three existing houses. These typologies are based on two ideas: steps and diagonals. The steps follow the diagonal, upon entering, the entire depth of the dwelling is revealed, with a plunging view toward nature. Curtains provide flexibility to the space, allowing the living room to be made more private toward the outside, or the bedroom to be extended.

The old concrete walls between the plots are partly removed and reused as retaining walls to create a series of terraced gardens at different levels. These gardens are shared, but their design allows for personal moments. The changes in level help create privacy within shared space, without needing fences or barriers.

The existing houses are renovated while keeping their structure, the central house becomes a shared kitchen and bath area.

This project aims to make density desirable, offering a semi-collective form of housing that preserves individual privacy, avoids direct views between dwellings, and opens up to nature.

Technické informace

The level differences of the added housing typologies are determined by their layout, organized around nine posts, that define the space, the beam spans and the height of the steps.

The structure and façades are made of wood, the significant drop of the wooden beams helps create this play of levels.

The last step, 40 cm high, creates a seat in the living room, which opens onto large bay windows. The structure becomes an integrated piece of furniture, placing the living space between indoor and outdoor. This connection to the outside can be enhanced by closing the living space off from the rest of the apartment with a curtain, This allows the room to be in close relation to nature.