Steps and diagonal

Project idea

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.

Project description

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 walls of the former private gardens are partially deconstructed and reused as retaining walls to create a series of shared terraced gardens.

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.

Technical information

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 entire structure and facades are made of wood, it is also the fall of the wooden beams that allows this play of differences in levels.