Dezeen Magazine

ECDM Architectes extends Parisian apartments with wavy balconies

The curving balconies of this housing scheme by French studio ECDM Architectes create a rippling outline and provide each flat with outdoor space (+ slideshow).

Housing by ECDM Architectes

ECDM Architectes wanted to offer the maximum space for the economically-priced housing in the provision of wrap-around balconies.

Each apartment in the scheme, named Housing, has access to a 30-metre-square strip of outdoor deck that adjoins the living room, doubling the interior floor plan of a typical one-bed flat within the block.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

"The main idea was to build very economic buildings designed with a very relevant characteristic while keeping the budget close to social housing or entry-level programs," said ECDM Architectes co-founders Emmanuel Combarel and Dominique Marrec.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

The two blocks are set within an open expanse of parkland in Arcueil, a suburb to the south of Paris.

"The unique quality of the site was an opportunity to rethink a formal relationship between a landscape and ways of living. The project envisages housing as stacked villas, wide open to their environment, extended by vast exterior surfaces," said the architects.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

While significantly extending the floor plan and providing outdoor access, the balconies also increase lighting and ventilation for the apartments.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

The rippled tiers, 3.2 metres at their widest point, are faced with white aluminium balustrades that let in sunlight through perforated sections.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

To increase the functionality of the space, the balconies have access to both water taps and electricity.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

"These generous outdoor spaces, real living rooms, bridge private areas in a search for harmony between the urban world and its environment," the architects told Dezeen.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

The architects used the rectilinear blocks as an axis to rotate the wavy tiers around, giving each floor a slightly different plan to ensure that no households overlook.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

"The balconies are designed in order to alternate level-to-level, then the longest cantilevers never superimpose," said the architects.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

Green gardening cupboards separate each terrace from its neighbour and create a visual connection between the floors. Slim columns of green run down the centre of the white building.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

Flowers grown by the residents have begun to spill over the edges of the balcony, giving the building the appearance of vertical terraced garden.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

"Flowers have always been a proof of love," said the architects.

Housing by ECDM Architectes

Photography is by Benoît Fougeirol.

Housing by ECDM Architectes
Diagram – click for larger image
Housing by ECDM Architectes
Diagram – click for larger
Housing by ECDM Architectes
Site plan – click for larger image
Housing by ECDM Architectes
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Housing by ECDM Architectes
Typical floor plan – click for larger image