Housing Development with Childcare Centre in Paris
- Anne Krins
Next to the tracks of Paris North station, this former peripheral block development is slowly acquiring a suburban flair with larger commercial and housing units. The plinth of the new complex, with trade elements, a clubhouse and a childcare centre, occupies the area of almost an entire street block. The housing structures on top are articulated into two main volumes that define a shopping street to the west and which flank the railway lines to the east, reflecting the proportions of the surrounding developments. The use of different facade materials brings out the contrast between the inner and outer faces of the blocks. The urban facades are clad with aluminium, while the courtyard and recessed faces are finished with thermally treated softwood. Further articulation of the volumes allowed most of the dwellings to be daylighted from two sides, and they enjoy manifold views of the planted areas and the urban environment.
