LAN architecture: student residence

‘student residence’ by LAN architecture in paris, france all images courtesy LAN architecture

french practice LAN architecture (benoie jallon, umberto napolitano) has completed ‘student residence’, a multi-storey dwelling in paris’ la chapelle district. composed of a series of free-standing buildings, the project plays with the volumes and voids of the design, generating a large courtyard at the heart of the plot.

street facade

providing slim visual access to the inner courtyard, the street-facing facade of the residence is shared by three, six-storey volumes clad in slate-coloured bricks. this arrangement lends the design a dynamic presence on the urban site with a pair of rifts that provide access to the residence as well as vertical circulation to the units.

(left) exterior view (right) outdoor terrace

in contrast with the dark finish of the street facade, the central courtyard is singularly finished in a system of vertically-running larch slats. the effect clearly sets the space apart from the outside, marking the 15m x 15m courtyard as a more intimate communal space for the students. the void also ensures that sunlight enter all 143 rooms of the residence. a series of louvered shutters cover windows and outdoor terraces in order to individually control the interior microclimate.

street entrance

the materiality of the design were chosen for their durability as well as their ability to display the duality of the buildings. the design is equipped with solar panels, high-performance ventilation and heating to ensure an ideal and comfortable accommodation. the concrete structure is insulated on the outside with 12 cm of mineral wool to provide efficient thermal insulation.

bike park

view towards the courtyard

courtyard

landscaping

wooden slats in courtyard

access to residence

exterior staircase

courtyard at night

night view

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +5

section

facade

project info:

project manager: RIVP project area: 3,950 m2 team: LAN (architects), frank boutté (HEQ consultant), LGX ingénierie (HVAC, main contractor) project leaders: sebastian niemann, venezia ferret