‘maison container lille’ by patrick partouche, lille, france image © manuel djamdjian all images courtesy of patrick partouche

french architect patrick partouche has recently completed ‘maison container lille’, a single family residence created from eight shipping containers within the countryside of lille, france. the stacked units combine to generate 208 square meters of living space which overlook a field with cows through a facade of glazed panels. the original doors on the ground and upper level may be opened or closed from the outside for privacy or to protect from direct sunlight. resting upon reinforced concrete foundations, the dwelling was installed within three days on-site. the maritime containers were transported by truck and placed during construction with a crane.

patrick partouche: maison container lille exterior image © manuel djamdjian

large polycarbonate and glass bay windows with low-e coating and argon gas infill clad the front and rear elevation, serving as a thermal bridge and providing plenty of natural light. the removed corrugated sheets were introduced as decorative elements within the living spaces. the exterior complies with local regulations while the interior material palette of galvanized steel, poppy red columns and wood generates an industrial atmosphere as desired by the inhabitants.

patrick partouche: maison container lille upper level image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left)  facade detail (right) oprning the shipping container doors images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left) living area (right) kitchin images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille hammock suspended within the living area image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille living and dining area image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left) dining area (right) spiral stair to upper level images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left)  top of stair (right) downward view of galvanized steel stairs images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille upper level steel grate catwalks image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left) children’s play area (right) bedroom images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille corridor image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille children’s bedroom image © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille (left)  polycarbonate windows produce privacy for the bathroom (right) partial solid facade screens the bathtub images © manuel djamdjian

patrick partouche: maison container lille delivery of components to site

patrick partouche: maison container lille containers rest upon concrete foundations

patrick partouche: maison container lille a crane stacks the upper level into place

patrick partouche: maison container lille placing upper level  container into its final location

patrick partouche: maison container lille floor plan / level 0

patrick partouche: maison container lille floor plan / level 1

patrick partouche: maison container lille roof plan

patrick partouche: maison container lille elevation

patrick partouche: maison container lille elevation

patrick partouche: maison container lille elevation

project info:

program: single-family year: 2010 area: 240m ² duration of studies / work duration: 6 months / 6 months specific materials used: recycled and managed eight containers, terracotta, metal, wood, polycarbonate, glass

patrick partouche: maison container lille design-aerobics 2012: POP-UP course january 17 – march 17, 2012

this online design course will take a look at temporary structures, from living quarters and exhibition stands to container stores and market stalls, exploring the concept of ‘pop-up’ architecture. for more information on design-aerobics courses and how to enroll click here.