BORÉAL by Tetrarc Architectes

In order to optimize the space for living rooms without increasing reference surface areas each housing is organized around a nucleus made of a kitchen, a bathroom, toilets, and a staircase for duplex apartments. For the same purpose, accesses to the housings are located outside the building as an unexpected & playful iconic element.

The volume with its 21 degrees of shifted forwards and backwards, their stepped placement creates a varied rhythm within the elevation. Every dwelling has a greenhouse in front of its façade. They are the continuum of the spaces inside the housing, provide more surface areas, and even are a great living volume in the duplexes. The block is defined on this site by a gridded glass facade offering unobstructed views of the garden plot adjacent to the building.

Finally, private gardens take place at the foot of each household, extending them and offering an innovative way to practice gardening in order to promote neighbourhood relationships.

Thus, Tétrarc plays different tunes. It sets the project in the modern history of individual social housing which began in 1920-1930. On the other hand, it provides an innovative answer to the sustainable social housing question with new forms and use of materials. It also provides a recalled quality of life to its inhabitants with its innovative performances of indoor spaces extended on the outside.