![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_1.jpg)
Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture
French studio Explorations Architecture have completed a social housing block beside one of the narrowest streets in Paris.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_3.jpg)
The five-storey building provides eighteen apartments in a rundown neighbourhood in the centre of the city.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_4.jpg)
Timber box-frame windows are staggered across a white stucco exterior to maximise natural light into each flat.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_6.jpg)
Timber-lined balconies occupy recesses in the facade and overlook a shared courtyard.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_7.jpg)
This is the second building by Explorations Architecture recently featured on Dezeen – see our earlier story about a sports hall with a curving timber roof that sags in the middle here.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_9.jpg)
Photography is by Michel Denancé.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_11.jpg)
Here's a few more words from the architects:
‘Passage de la Brie’ Housing by Explorations Architecture
Explorations architecture has just completed a high density social housing project in the ‘Passage de la brie’ in downtown historic Paris (19ème arrondissement).
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_5.jpg)
The Passage de la brie is one of the narrowest street in Paris (only 4m across).
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_8.jpg)
In 2005, Explorations won the competition to redevelop what had become a real slum in the middle of the City. It took 6 years to complete due to complex planning and construction issues.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_12.gif)
The scheme is a contemporary variation on the “immeuble parisien de faubourg” with its white stucco and timber windows. The windows seem randomly arranged in order to maximize views and lighting.
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_13.gif)
Click above for larger image
Design team: Explorations architecture + Integrale 4 engineers
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_14.gif)
Click above for larger image
Client: City of Paris (Siemp)
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_15.gif)
Click above for larger image
Brief: 18 apartments
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_16.gif)
Net Area: 2000 m²
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_17.gif)
Cost: 3m €
![Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Passage-de-la-Brie-Housing-by-Explorations-Architecture_18.gif)
Timeframe: 2005-2011