Pré Gauchet | Christophe Rousselle

Paris based architect Christophe Rousselle just won a public contract of 70 social housing in Nantes, France. From far away, the building emerges at 35 meters high showing a thin and light silhouette, with a variety of reflection, and games of lights and shadows. From the surroundings, the rich volumetry of the building gives a strong identity to each dwelling, giving you the impression of living on the roof at every floor. High trees are planted on the outdoor courtyard, surrounded by the buildings composed by platforms with gaps between them. Those seem to be floating above the vegetation. The quality of the materials used in the construction gives a sense of durability to the building and its metallic façade gives it a real longevity without almost any handling. Thus the metallic strips of shiny inox steel, and perforated copper plates propose reflections and a warm feeling that allows the break of the stigma on social housing. The presence of vegetation on every floor contributes also to a real improvement of the dwelling.