Country/Region: France

Le Chaperon-Vert (Îlot 5)

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Le Chaperon-Vert (Îlot 5)

Mismatches Functional adequacy Climate change
Urban Design Environments Liveability
Promotion and production Public promotion
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

Constructed in the 1950s on land previously occupied by market gardens and a shanty town, Chaperon-Vert briefly claimed the title of the largest low-cost housing estate (HLM) in Île-de-France. Over fifty years later, the district initiated an urban renewal project (ORU) under the auspices of the National Agency for Urban Renovation (ANRU). The decade-long renovation endeavor for Le Chaperon-Vert culminated with the refurbishment of the final block, Building Number 5, encompassing six buildings and a total of 264 housing units.

Date

  • 2019: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: L’agence RVA
  • Architect: Jacques Poirier
  • Promotor: National Agency for Urban Renovation (ANRU)

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

The overarching objective of the renovation project was to enhance the comfort, design, and energy efficiency of the buildings, within the context of a 1960s structure in urgent need of attention. Like many similar housing estates of its time, Chaperon-Vert faced challenges such as space constraints due to surrounding roads and parking lots, leading to significant noise and air pollution as well as a lack of communal green areas. Social issues and energy inefficiency were pressing concerns necessitating urban and housing interventions. "Îlot 5," comprising six buildings, marked the culmination of this ambitious endeavor on the Arcueil side. The architects aimed to preserve and amplify the urban coherence of the complex by restoring its classic modern extrados through the enhancement of concrete structures and brick infills. They also sought to establish a local public park to reflect the scale of the residence and address contemporary housing quality standards through light extensions around the garden that harmonized with the existing rhythm.

The intervention involved several key aspects. Initially, restoration efforts focused on the metal shutters and other facade elements, while balconies were replaced with perforated metal to afford greater privacy, matching the color scheme of the extensions. Additionally, interior facades received a light sand-colored aluminum envelope, and a prefabricated reinforced concrete system was installed with brick panel infills. Notably, approximately 1,000 square meters of living space were added by thickening the walls.

Five previously marginalized squares within the district underwent complete redevelopment to improve access to the block's core, foster biodiversity, and introduce new exchange spaces, transforming former parking-dominated areas into vibrant green public spaces. Tenant consultations were conducted to co-design the future of Chaperon-Vert and indoor housing conditions. Energy efficiency was significantly improved, with all homes now achieving a label C energy performance rating (annual consumption less than 150 kWh/square meters) through equipment upgrades and facade enhancements.

The outcome of the intervention is evident in the transformation of 264 dwellings into 249, with 157 renovated or restructured and 92 extended. At the heart of the revitalized enclave lies a landscaped square featuring play and relaxation areas alongside fruit trees.

This final intervention seamlessly aligns with the overarching renovation project, with seven distinct work sites established, each reflecting its unique identity. While red brick remains prominent on the street-facing side (albeit cleaned facades), various facades within the blocks retain their distinct characteristics. Notably, Building Number 5 stands out with its glossy golden metal finish.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

ToitMoiNous - An intergenerational and mixed community

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ToitMoiNous - An intergenerational and mixed community

Mismatches Cultural suitability Diversity New family structures
Urban Design Participatory processes
Promotion and production Public promotion Public-private partnerships Self-management Cooperatives

Main objectives of the project

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille, a unique hybrid housing complex and cooperative scheme called "ToitMoiNous" accommodates multiple generations. Assisted by "Notre Logis," residents participated in designing the building, which blends social, assisted, and private housing. What sets it apart are the shared spaces like a garden and guest studio, fostering connection among the 40 residents. A "common life charter" promotes solidarity, cultural acceptance, consensus decision-making, sustainability, and inclusivity across generations.

Date

  • 2011: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: ToitMoiNous
  • Notre Logis

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France, Lille

Description

Formed in June 2011, the association "Habitat groupeté solidaire" initiated the "ToitMoiNous" project, initially targeting seniors but later expanding to include younger families, thus becoming intergenerational. By early 2016, the group comprised 22 families, including 10 retirees, totaling 30 adults and 15 children aged 1 to 17. Membership evolves over time, with new members joining via a coaptation protocol and agreement to the "charter of common life," committing to solidarity and tolerance principles.

Situated on rue du 8 mai 1945 in Villeneuve d'Ascq, the building encompasses 22 housing units, including apartments and intermediate housing for families. Seven units are designated for social rental, 10 for rental-accession, and four for free access. Collective spaces include a common room for activities, a guest room, laundry facilities, a garden, and a workshop.

Shared spaces, tools, and service exchanges are integral to all members' commitments. Each household contributed to the building's architectural design, partnering with the architect. The project is supported by the social landlord "Notre Logis" under a predefined agreement delineating responsibilities and preserving association members' autonomy.

The ToitMoiNous association annually elects its office and board of directors, conducting monthly meetings where various commissions handle tasks. Decisions, preferably achieved through consensus, are made by qualified majority vote. Commissions cover "green spaces," "well-being," "communication," and "recruitment and reception of new members."

Tenant participation in decisions is facilitated through delegation from the lessor. The association may engage non-resident members for neighborhood activities.

As a hub for exchanges and shared experiences, group housing promotes openness, citizenship, and ecology. Solidarity is a core value, fostering better communal living while respecting privacy and active city engagement. A Charter outlines fundamental values and reciprocal commitments, while internal regulations govern group housing implementation. Embracing sustainable development, the project integrates energy-efficient standards, proximity to amenities, services, leisure, and public transport.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Prêt à impact- the Social and Environmental Impact Loan

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Prêt à impact- the Social and Environmental Impact Loan

Mismatches Financing
Financing Financial actors Sustainable development financing Public-private collaboration

Main objectives of the project

Caisse d'Epargne has introduced the Social and Environmental Impact Loan (Prêt à impact) to bolster the engagement of its real estate and social housing clientele in social and environmental causes. In this initiative, the interest rates of each loan will be linked to the non-financial social or environmental performance of the borrowers, with the potential bonus being directed towards supporting charitable associations.

Date

  • 2020: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Caisse d'Epargne

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

Caisse d'Epargne, a longstanding private bank in France renowned for its investments in social housing and public sector ventures, aimed to incentivize its clients to adopt more ambitious social and environmental standards in their social housing endeavors. Drawing on these principles of the institution, the initiative introduces an incentive mechanism where social landlords can benefit from an interest rate indexed to their non-financial performance for each loan.

The bank's endorsement extends to both social and environmental criteria, encompassing social inclusion, disability support, aging population care, urban diversity, occupant health, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, environmentally responsible practices, and sustainable mobility. Performance in each area is assessed through specific indicators. Should the client meet the predefined objectives annually throughout the loan term, they enjoy a rate increase, which they may choose to contribute to a charitable cause. In cases where objectives are not met, the contractual rate applies without penalty. Through this scheme, Caisse d'Epargne aims to recognize and encourage its clients' efforts in reducing their environmental impact and supporting societal causes, fostering more sustainable and responsible project developments.

It is worth noting that Impact Loans are available not only to social housing providers but also to real estate enterprises, with distinct criteria applied. Real estate entities focus on providing healthy and diverse housing options, while social housing emphasizes inclusion. In both cases, affordable housing schemes are fostered.

The inaugural Impact Loan was initiated by Caisse d'Epargne Ile-de-France in partnership with the Regie Immobiliere of the City of Paris, the second-largest social housing provider in Paris. This 25 million euro loan will cater to the needs of the social landlord, enabling it to secure an interest rate increase of 15 basis points by dedicating at least 20% of annually allocated dwellings to a priority population, as per French law. Both parties have agreed to allocate 50% of the bonus amount annually to a social housing foundation.

This scheme is hailed as highly innovative in Europe, notably for integrating non-financial performance into its mechanism. Similar initiatives exist in the Netherlands. Amidst the COVID-19 recovery phase, this French scheme facilitates social housing investment programs under optimal conditions while fostering a profound social commitment.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

La résidence Gergovie- Rehabilitation to tackle energy inefficiency and social housing

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La résidence Gergovie- Rehabilitation to tackle energy inefficiency and social housing

Mismatches Functional adequacy Diversity Climate change
Urban Design Quality Liveability Participatory processes
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

The project concerns the rehabilitation of a building of 299 social housing units, built in 1962. ICF Habitat bought this apartment block in January 2013 in the framework of an acquisition-improvement and this operation will be its first major renovation. The program focuses on improving energy efficiency, restructuring the outdoor, enhancing the building’s comfort and aestheticism. By improving the thermal performance without increasing the rent, ICH Habitat La Sablière tackles its tenants’ energy precariousness.

Date

  • 2019: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: ICF Habitat La Sablière
  • Architect: A&B ARCHITECTES

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

ICF Housing is the housing subsidiary of SNCF (the train company in France). Born to provide housing to SNCF employees, now ICF Housing is one of the largest housing operators in France. Despite not being just a social housing operator, his aim is to develop diversified housing solutions, with affordable housing at the center of their policies. 84% of their managed housing is social housing. In 2013, they bought an old building in Gergovie street, in the 14th District of Paris.

The building aimed to be rehabilitated, together with the nearby urban space. Yet, the main goal was to achieve a energy efficient building. This was structured in three main objectives: Setting a modernized heating system, performing an insulation work on the building and coupling microgeneration with heat pumps and the use of waste energy. In fact, The collective hot water production system developed by ICF Habitat and its partners won an award at the Trophées Européen de l'Habitat Responsable in the "environmental sustainability" category. The system cuts the cost of domestic hot water production by a factor of 2, while maintaining an affordable level of rental charges. It combines economic and social performance (combating fuel poverty) with environmental performance (introducing 50% renewable energy and dividing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 2). The system comprises two gas microgenerations coupled with four modular heat pumps designed to recover waste energy (the fumes from boilers dedicated to central heating) and cover the residence's domestic hot water needs. Operation is based on a synergy of exchanges, enabling heat gains at every stage. The cogeneration units are controlled and managed by modular heat pumps developed specifically for this coupled application. Thai changes made the building a front-runner case for the Plan Climat of Paris.

Apart from the climatic action, the project has developed other rehabilitation actions, such as the refurbishment of common areas, the creation of new bicycle/stroller and waste sorting areas, the creation of a new reception desk, the revegetation of entrances and roof, a complete overdo of outdoor areas, including a space for a shared garden, the residentialisation with access control, new intercom system and secure main entrances… Moreover, 5 apartments for people with reduced mobility were created on the first floor, with restructuring of the former entrance halls

Consultation with tenants was key to the project and led to a shared diagnosis and a program of works in line with their expectations. Through interviews at the foot of the buildings and workshops, residents expressed their wishes for the development and evolution of their living environment: dedicated areas (strollers, bicycles), household waste management, green space development, pathways, building approaches, parking organization, relationship with the square, etc. A vote enabled everyone to express their opinion on the choice of the exterior development project. Carrying out a project of this type in an occupied environment presented a certain complexity and many inconveniences. This project was made possible thanks to the strong involvement of the tenants' association, the support of local authorities and public authorities, and the professionalism and innovative spirit of our teams.

The housing units increases the capacity to offer social housing to SNCF employees. This takes on particular importance following the launch of the “housing guarantee” policy, a scheme offering newly recruited railway workers in the Île-de-France region housing at a rent commensurate with their salary level.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Transformation of 530 dwellings - Grand Parc Bordeaux

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Transformation of 530 dwellings - Grand Parc Bordeaux

Mismatches Price Vulnerable groups
Urban Design Quality Liveability
Promotion and production Public promotion
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

As the recipient of the 2019 EU Mies van der Rohe Award, this project involved the refurbishment of three social housing buildings comprising 530 units in Bordeaux, France. Originally constructed in the early 1960s, the need for renovation arose after the possibility of demolition was dismissed. Remarkably, the transformation of these dwellings occurred while residents continued to occupy them. A key aspect of the renovation involved extending the existing space by adding a winter gardens and balconies accessible from every room, akin to a traditional house layout. This expansion not only broadened the usable space and mobility within the buildings but also redefined the quality of housing offered while improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope. This project serves as a compelling example of forward-thinking, responsible housing solutions for the future.

Date

  • 2017: Construction
  • 2019: Ganador

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: AQUITANIS
  • Architect: Christophe Hutin Architecture
  • Architect: Frédéric Druot Architecture
  • Architect: Lacaton & Vassal architectes

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Bordeaux
Country/Region: Bordeaux, France

Description

This project presents a bold approach to challenging the existing European housing stock from the post-war era, achieving remarkable results with minimal resources. Rather than opting for demolition, which consumes significant energy, the client recognized and endorsed the benefits of transforming three existing buildings. Through this initiative, social housing, often criticized for its built heritage, serves as a model for relevant and cost-effective transformation, turning perceived deficiencies into generous, inviting, and efficient dwellings that redefine typologies, living conditions, comfort, and aesthetics, thereby enhancing the urban residential landscape.

The transformation imbues all dwellings with new spatial qualities and living standards by meticulously assessing existing strengths to preserve and identifying areas for enhancement. The addition of expansive winter gardens and balconies to each apartment offers increased space, natural light, usability, and panoramic views. Small existing windows are replaced with large glazed sliding doors opening onto the winter gardens. Technical upgrades include renovations to bathrooms, electrical systems, and the replacement of two former elevators with a larger, more efficient one in each staircase. New access halls and improved front gardens enhance the overall environment. Throughout the construction process, all families remained in their dwellings, with no rent increase post-transformation.

The project, executed with inhabitants in residence, avoids structural interventions such as changes to stairs or floors, opting instead for additions and extensions designed for full utilization. Internally, only facility refurbishments and finishings were undertaken. The 3.80-meter extensions expand usable space and mobility, seamlessly connecting rooms to the winter gardens, akin to private semi-outdoor spaces found in houses. The energy efficiency of the building envelope is significantly enhanced by these winter gardens, serving as passive solar collectors. Focusing on economy, the budget prioritizes extensions, crucial for substantial and sustainable improvements in dwelling quality, while overall transformation costs remain within budget parameters, aligning with typical expenses for basic facade renovations, insulation, and facilities.

Construction materials and methods were selected to optimize efficiency and minimize disruption. Concrete was exclusively used for foundations, with concrete window sills removed to facilitate floor-to-ceiling openings for double-glazed sliding doors. Thermal curtains enhance interior insulation. Lightweight facades composed of transparent, corrugated polycarbonate panels and aluminum-framed glass, equipped with reflective solar curtains, provide exterior insulation. Glazed handrails line the balconies.

To expedite construction, prefabricated modules were employed, erected like scaffolding in front of the buildings. Precast slabs and columns were transported to the site and assembled into a freestanding structure using a crane. Efficient planning and scheduling allowed for a swift transformation, completing each apartment within 12-16 days: half a day for laying concrete slabs, two days for adapting the old facade, two days for installing the new facade, and 8-12 days for interior renovations.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España
Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona

Neppert Gardens Social Housing, 59 Dwellings

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Neppert Gardens Social Housing, 59 Dwellings

Financing
Urban Design
Promotion and production
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

The project is located in Mulhouse in a popular district close to the city center, currently under renovation. It includes 59 social rental dwellings developed by SOMCO, operator on public social housing. A few years after the Cité Manifeste experience, our common goal was to pursue the same aims: generous dwellings without increasing the rent.

Date

  • 2015: Rehabilitación

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Anne Lacaton
  • Architect: Jean Philippe Vassal

Location

City: Mulhouse
Country/Region: France, Mulhouse

Description

3 blocks of 20 dwellings that are built along the two streets; Neppert and Buhler and define a collective small garden in the middle.

The aim of the project is first defined in terms of quality of living :

- to create dwellings with surfaces bigger than standard.

- to offer additional and intermediate spaces with characteristics that differ from traditional rooms in an individual house and that widen the possibilities for usage, the diversity of spaces and the climatic conditions.

- to bring the collective housing close to the qualities of an individual house in developing outdoor spaces that extend the indoor rooms.

- to optimize the number of dwellings in comparison to the plot capacity in order to develop an efficient project economy that allows to create the largest possible surfaces for the housing.
The objective shared with the client was to create an innovative project with typologies that differ greatly from standard. The aim is to create a diversity in housing and a social mix, an attractive housing scheme in an area that is little sought after.

The flats, from T1 to T5, offer various plans and typologies of one-storey and duplex apartments.

The housing units offer surfaces that are nearly twice as large as a standard dwelling but nevertheless within the same budget. They offer living spaces in a dense urban environment that are comparable to those of a house.

The density, the maximum use of the right to build on the site, the combination of typologies, the effective construction system along with collaboration with the developer have all combined to allow for this generosity in space whilst also creating a large number of dwellings.

All the flats are dual-aspect. The living rooms, (south east orientation and a 10m wide façade), open on to a terrace that can be fully closed in winter.

These winter gardens, largely open in summer, define a bioclimatic system with a wide natural ventilation.

They offer an extra space supplementary to the living rooms, like a private garden.
The efficiency of the structure is the key point in the economy of the design that allows for the creation of oversized surfaces without an increase in construction cost.

The 3 buildings are designed on the same principles of construction: a post and beam structure with reinforced concrete slabs, using prefabricated elements. The 10m grid, without intermediate posts, defines the width of the dwellings and allows for the creation of large spaces that are not constrained by the structure.

The facades consist in fully glazed sliding framework and are equipped with thermal curtains and shading devices.

The winter gardens are closable in winter with the use of aluminum framed shutters clad in transparent polycarbonate. These are sliding shutters that come to stand on one side of the balcony.

The bioclimatic concept performs in terms of energy saving and fulfills a good standard of low energy construction.

The winter gardens create an intermediate non-heated space that plays a very active role in the thermal efficiency. They improve and naturally moderate the normal external conditions by creating a buffer volume, very favorable in terms of energy saving.

Authors:

Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona

Experimental Public Housing

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Experimental Public Housing

Policies and regulations
Financing
Urban Design
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

Our time strives for the environmental quality of buildings and their energy frugality. In a social perspective of housing history, such collective pleas have lead to creating housing schemes, garden cities and even Bastides. In our turn, aware of this issue, which architectural expression will our generation convey?

Date

  • 2013: Rehabilitación

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Marc Reynaud
  • Architect: Armand Nouvet
  • Architect: Thibaud Babled

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France

Description

This small experimental building was an opportunity to look into sustainable construction. Very low energy consumption goals are achieved exclusively through architectural means. That is, without relying on technological accessories, but using definitely low-tech displays and devices (orientation, windows, piers, verandas, curtains) and involving inhabitants gestures and use of their home. Therefore the façade geometry is ever changing, animated by use, weather and glass reflexions. The global architectural design proposes some evidence: it favours a straight expression of its construction.
The project is part of the urban redevelopment of the Frequel-
Fontarabie block in North-East Paris. It was to become a pilot operation for the newly voted Plan Climat de la Ville de Paris, which asked for a maximum energy expenditure of 50 kWh/m2/year. To meet this target, the architectural team decided to rely solely on architecture on a site that, although very dense, offered to take advantage of sun.
The new volumes are adjusted to the end walls of the next buildings to reduce shadows. They draw a ribbon garden shared by residents and opening onto the new public garden, constructions getting lower as you penetrate the block.
The three entrance-halls open directly onto this courtyard. Each one is open to all residents: respectively giving access to the underground garage, the letterboxes or the bike storage room.
The bearing structure is minimized to a post-slab system using less concrete, offering more flexibility in flat layouts and enabling future conversion of the building. The resulting colonnade, allows the sunlight deep into the flats.
Limited use of concrete on facades favours a larger use of renewable materials. Custom-made wood framed sliding windows give a very precise quality to both exterior and interiors.
Apartments are designed so as to maximise natural light and ventilation, most bathrooms opening onto a window. Inhabitants are given greater control over temperatures in any season.
The double envelop sets an acoustic and bioclimatic device reinforced by Trombe walls. Sunlight penetrates the first extra-clear glass envelope and hits the wavy wall, whose dark matt surface turns light into heat. To stop this natural heating, inhabitants simply roll down the blind facing the wall and open the exterior windows.
Size of the site :944 m2
Size of the building :1960 m2 (GFA)

Authors:

Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona

Transformation of 530 dwellings

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Transformation of 530 dwellings

Policies and regulations
Financing
Promotion and production
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

The project consists in the transformation of 3 social housing’s buildings of 530 dwellings.

Date

  • 2017: Rehabilitación

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Christophe Hutin
  • Architect: Frederic Druot
  • Architect: Jean Philippe Vassal
  • Architect: Anne Lacaton

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Bordeaux
Country/Region: France

Description

The transformation gives to all dwellings new qualities of space and living, by inventorying very precisely the existing qualities that should be preserved, and what is missing that must be supplemented.

The addition of large winter gardens and balconies in extension of the existing give the opportunity, for each apartment, to enjoy more space, more natural light, more mobility of use and more views.

The existing small windows are replaced by large glazed sliding doors opening onto the winter garden.

The technical facilities are upgraded: bathrooms electrical installation, the two former elevators in every staircase are replaced by a bigger one and supplemented by a new elevator.

New access halls are done and the gardens in front of the building are improved. All the families stayed in their dwelling during the construction works. No increase of rent after the transformation.
While the high-rise buildings for luxury housing are now designated as examples of ecological housing, the G, H and I buildings offer the opportunity to reach these qualities immediately, in a generous, economic and sustainable way.

Due to the proposal of transformation with all inhabitants inside, the project excludes interventions on the existing structure, stairs or floors, and proceeds by additions and extensions, large enough to be fully used. Inside the flats, only refurbishment of facilities or finishes has been done.

The extensions of 3,80m deep widen the space of use and the mobility through large glazed sliding doors connecting every room to the winter garden, offering, as in a house, a pleasant private semi outdoor space.

The energetic performance of the building envelope is highly improved by the addition of winter gardens which act as passive solar collectors.

The work on economy allows to concentrate the budget on the extensions, the key point to improve in a significant and sustainable way the dwellings quality. The overall cost of transformation respects the budget, based on the usual cost for a basic renovation of facades, insulations, and facilities.
In order to reduce the duration of the works, the construction uses prefabricated modules, fast built like scaffolding in front of the building. Precasted slabs and columns are transported to the site and lifted into position by a crane to form a freestanding structure. Concrete poured in place was used only for foundations.

Along the added structure, the original windows are removed in a specific intervention to take care of asbestos-contaminated seals. Concrete window sills are removed to open from floor-to-ceiling, and create double-glazed sliding doors. Thermal curtains behind the glass provide extra insulation to the heated interiors.

On the other side, a lightweight façade of transparent, corrugated polycarbonate panels and glass in aluminium frames is assembled and equipped with reflective solar curtains. Glazed hand railings run along the balconies.

A proper planning and scheduling of the construction site allowed to achieve the transformation in just 12-16 days per apartment: half day for laying the concrete slab, 2 days for adapting the old façade, 2 days for placing the new façade, and 8-12 days for renovating the interiors.

Authors:

Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona

32 Cathedral Homes

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32 Cathedral Homes

Urban Design
Promotion and production
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

The 32 cathedral housing units complex includes 3 different dwelling typologies bringing a fresh look on density and infusing a diversity in architectural forms. The 2 variants of flats and the town-houses share a similar layout of the living areas, all featuring double exposure and a double-height portion, making possible a future densification.

Date

  • 2020: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Sophie Delhay

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France

Description

In a typical suburban landscape, between a national road, a residue of forest and sports fileds, on a former farmed land, the ensemble includes 3 dwelling typologies, recreating within the assigned plot the complexity of a residential neighbourhood which has grown over time. The project borders 2 sides of a triangular plot, clearing a big collective garden. 22 flats are installed in a 6 levels building. The ground floor accommodates an open car park, creating a level circulation between the street and the garden and bringing in natural light. On the 1st floor, a common space is extended by a terrace. A row of 5 houses connects the “main” building with a smaller one that hosts 5 intermediate typologies in a little tower notifying the entrance of the neighbourhood. At the top a terrace offers a 360 ° panorama and the first row to football matches which take place at the foot of the building.
Our first goal was to resists to the temptation of segregation of urban forms by implementing principles that govern 3 housing typologies until they merge into a unitary whole. The 32 dwellings are mainly distinguished by their access mode - individual for the houses, by landing serving two apartments for the intermediate typology and by outdoor passageways running along the façade for the collective housing. However, the same design guidelines apply to all. All apartments are characterized by double height and double oriented living rooms. Everywhere the same big windows are protected by xxl custom made curtains. All units, simplex or duplex, have a day and a night area and a private exterior. But all the ingenuity lies in the response to one of the sector's town planning rules: make possible the densification of the plot by 20%. Rather than amputating the garden with constructions, we suggest to create this possibility inside the existing volumes. The double-height living rooms are flexible spaces that can be upgraded over time by building a mezzanine or flooring. In tis case the “missing room” lost in the height paradoxically becomes extra space, proof that less in more.
The different typologies (collective, intermediate, individual) are assembled in a single hybrid volume that stands out by its raw concrete materiality and its large bay windows set it aluminium which give rhythm to the façade. The unity of the project is sealed by strong constructive

principles, a rigorous grid and a unitary materiality. The concrete structure and its plots are visible to all in the ground floor parking lot. To facilitate the appropriation of double-height spaces, we installed long textile curtains and oversized paper lamps, introducing suppleness that counteracts the exposed concrete of the walls and the orthonormal plan of the apartments. Moreover, we worked with our construction company on fine details, including the numbering of each apartment engraved in the concrete façade, a unit in the guardrails and an atypical staircase leading to the panoramic terrace.

Authors:

Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona

Affordable rental scheme in France – using private homes for social tenants

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Affordable rental scheme in France – using private homes for social tenants

Mismatches
Policies and regulations
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

Sometimes tax incentives are provided to investors in rental housing regardless of the rent-setting or allocation mechanisms being used. However, in France, the “Louer abordable”[1] (affordable rental) scheme attempts to channel some of this investment into providing additional rental housing for households eligible for social housing, by providing tax and other benefits to investors. This scheme has existed in various forms for about thirty years. It currently secures around 9,000 additional affordable dwellings each year and has thus far accumulated a dedicated stock of 100,000 dwellings provided under this tax framework.

Date

  • 2017:

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Agence Nationale pour l’Amélioration de l’Habitat (ANAH)

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France

Description

In its most common form, the Louer abordable sees an owner of a dwelling sign a rental agreement (a “louer mieux” contract) with the Agence Nationale pour l’Amélioration de l’Habitat (ANAH)[1] – the national agency which manages the scheme. As part of this agreement, the owner hands over management of the dwelling to an approved ‘social rental agency’ for a fixed period, usually either six or nine years, though this can be extended after the end of the initial contract if both parties agree.

From the perspective of potential tenants, renting a dwelling provided under this programme is similar to renting a ‘traditional’ social housing unit. Eligibility is determined primarily based on income, but the maximum income allowable varies depending on household size and region.[2] In terms of the tax benefits available to landlords who lease their property under the Louer abordable scheme, between 15 per cent and 85 per cent of the rent can be tax free. Higher rates of tax incentives are available to landlords who rent to those on the lowest incomes, with less generous tax breaks available if the property is rented to those on medium incomes. The geographic location of the property is also considered, with higher tax relief in higher-demand areas. The rent that can be charged is fixed by law and varies depending on factors such as size and location of dwelling.

It is also important to note that in the French system, tax breaks only apply in instances where rent is treated as “property income” and not as “industrial or commercial profits”.[3] In this way, the Louer abordable scheme is attractive for small scale individual investors rather than large corporate investment vehicles.

The Louer abordable scheme also has an important environmental element. Should a property need to undergo renovation works, the owner can benefit from various financial supports provided by ANAH, including a lower VAT rate on works and tax credits. To qualify, the renovated dwelling must meet specified minimum-energy standards. In any case, landlords in France must now offer minimum standards of thermal comfort to legally rent their dwelling.

Links

Authors: