Comfort and sustainability | Baumschlager Eberle Architekten

Brief: A social housing project in Villeurbanne, close to Lyon, was to respond to the social and planning challenges of the location as well as offering residents a sense of well-being, security and an identity. Realisation: The result is an urban sculpture comprising three separate volumes that run along the Promenade Jacquard and around the central garden space. The interplay of these volumes creates a clear-cut architectural form with a silhouette that lends coherence to the block, underpinned by visual links, continuity of facades and seamless transitions between ground floors and public realm. Features: Fundamental to the concept is an understanding of the exterior space about which the programme elements are formed. The central garden at the heart of the project is supplemented by additional space on the landscaped roof terraces. The arrangement of primary structure and cores offers a high degree of functional flexibility and so contributes to the longevity and sustainable development of the buildings. The compact volumes offer both economic and environmental benefits, while the innovative facade concept combines living comfort and energy efficiency.