415NRL
Program
Urban project, Collective housing
Location
Forest
Date
2024
Themes
Urban, Inclusive, Public
Phase
Competition
Surfaces
700 m²
Team
SEA, Zeugma, RYA, ASM
Client
Commune de Forest
Budget
€ 2 200 000
Construction of an apartment block
Located at the interface between the public and private spheres
The project proposes a sculpted volume that seeks to interact with the built environment, combining urban constraints with legal habitability requirements: the ground floor remains aligned with the building line of the road, while the front elevations on first and second floor are set back to break away from the northern neighbour. These different setbacks create a series of platforms, some of which are planted, while others are used as terraces for the residential units.
The front elevation and its urban expression
The sculpted volume of the front accommodates the entire program in a compact and simple manner, while maintaining a moderate height. It also includes a semi-public entrance with a carriage entrance on the ground floor, creating a visual link between the interior of the housing block and the street.
The rear elevation and its relationship to the housing block
Beyond the street-facing construction, the plot embodies the ambition to create a larger, more composed urban ensemble. Considering the numerous filters already present on the site, the project suggests a more uncomplicated garden design that is integrated into the whole.
The natural boundaries of the whole take on a central role, creating a more pleasing design with richer visual perspectives than yet another physical boundary. In addition, the slight depression in the heart of the garden allows water to flow into the central wadi. The project for the surrounding area proposes a strong, symbolic presence of water, with a playful and utilitarian dimension.
Envisaging adaptability
The project offers spatial adaptability and accessibility. The proposed structure is simple and rational, favouring large square rooms housed in generously open and modular flats. The proposal makes sure that regular flats known as ‘non-PLM’ are, as much as possible, adaptable, in the sense that they can be converted according to occupancy, disability or any other change of use. Only the ‘hard’ central core which serves as wind bracing cannot be changed.
The ground floor houses the entrance and technical areas, as well as an apartment overlooking both the street and the garden. The living areas, spread across the two facades, create an interior dynamic that interfaces with the neighbourhood at the front and the interior of the block at the rear.
Spatial ambitions
The composition principles described above also apply to the upper floors, with some variations.
All flats have a bay with bedrooms and a bay with a cross-through living room. In addition, each home has its own outdoor space thanks to volumetric recesses or the addition of a balcony to the rear facade.
This means that each flat has a dual orientation, complemented by a private outdoor space specific to each home.
