Constructively, the French architect's project is distinguished by structural simplicity, which translates into the possibility of varying geometrically on both coordinate axes, recessing and creating volumes to form the different floors, giving the building its character, the six volumes that make up the residential space are linked together by glass walkways.
The image that the project gives off thanks to its construction, is of a light building, despite its magnitude, but the large overhangs, the discontinuity of the facade, with the volumes protruding and sinking, and the materials used, avoid the image of massiveness that other residential buildings can give.
Description of project by Christophe Rousselle
À ciel ouvert – Gennevilliers
Located in the central lot of Zac Chandon-République Gennevilliers, the 91-unit mixed-housing project faces the park. The orthogonal plan adopts a relatively simple and sober organization that gives a particular identity to the place, dividing the project into six volumes of different heights, linked together by glass walkways. The roof of the buildings was conceived to preserve unobstructed views so that the apartments have a visual connection to the park located in the center of the block.
The structure has been simplified to the maximum to give free rein to a game of vertical and horizontal planes and the identity of the project is defined by the strong presence of the cantilevers and the fine protective mesh of the balconies.
All the apartments have multiple orientations and are open to the outdoors at least one point, generating a rich geometric complexity.
The buildings, with simple and varied shapes, oscillate between solidity and lightness due to the alternation of two materials on the façade: stainless steel and exposed concrete. The use of concrete as a solid base on the ground floor and as a structural element on the floors contrasts with the shiny stainless steel sheets that give the building movement and dematerialization.
The entire intervention, located in the heart of the urban park, between the built mass and the vegetal mass, highlights a rich volumetry by responding precisely to its context.
Special attention has been paid to the design of each floor so that they can benefit from different perceptions during the day, delivering spacious double rooms open to the light.
The exterior spaces make each room especially surprising and give the impression of living on the top floor thanks to these exterior spaces.
