The housing program in accession denies requirements of individuality and privacy in interior and exterior spaces. Nevertheless, economic and ecological ambitions exclude the type of house in which the image stays very much appreciated. What might be a contemporary response to these issues? A hybrid typology.

From the typological analysis of individual and collective housing models, we have developed a hybrid typology which integrates the advantages of townhouses (density and compactness) and detached houses (intimacy and green spaces). Individual and vertical units are positioned side by side along the parcel boundaries and thus form two major urban blocks. This compactness allows for semi-public paths to be positioned centrally. These paths create links with the area, increasing green space and serve as circulation and meeting spaces. Their proportions avoid face to face positioning and form an enclosed space on a human scale. The paths give the project a strong identity which permits identification on several levels, (housing, block and district) and thus promotes the development of a social link between future residents. The operation aims to be labelled a PASSIVHAUS.

Client: Volkswohnungen Karlsruhe / Cost: 13M€ HT / Surface: 14000 m² / Schedule: 2012 / Team: Franck Boutté (HEQ)