ecdm stacks undulating balconies for ZAC du coteau housing in france

ecdm stacks undulating balconies for ZAC du coteau housing in france
photo by benoit fougeirol
all images courtesy of ecdm architectes

for the recently completed ‘ZAC du coteau’ housing complex in arcueil, france, ecdm architectes has conceived two structures identified visually and functionally by their balcony layouts. each floor plate extends beyond the building volume with undulating geometry, creating up to 3.2 meter cantilevers for large patios off of each apartment. this produces a distinguishing dynamic overall form, while offering the residents ample outdoor space.

the 150 housing complex is comprised of two separate buildings
photo by benoit fougeirol

contained within two structure – one taller and one longer – the project is comprised of 101 owned-townhouses and 40 social-housing units. the cantilevered distance of the undulating floor plate geometry is greatest directly outside the living rooms, while reduced in front of the bed and bathrooms. thus, the plan layouts alternate from level to level, in order to avoid adjacent balcony positions.

the taller tower: floor plan layouts alternate to avoid adjacent balcony positions
photos by benoit fougeirol

the longer building: cantilevered floor plates reach a maximum distance of 3.2 meters
photo by benoit fougeirol

photo by benoit fougeirol

photo by benoit fougeirol

photos by benoit fougeirol

each unit features wide views of the surrounding context, located in the periphery of paris
photo by benoit fougeirol

the balconies’ guardrails feature planters along their perimeter
photo by benoit fougeirol

photo by benoit fougeirol

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project info:

location: arcueil, france
completed: 2014
area: 9,600 sqm SHON
program: 101 owned townhouses and 40 social housing units
client: nexity
architecture: emmanuel combarel dominique marrec architectes (ecdm)
photography: benoit fougeirol