Social Housing Shaped by the Sun

This conversion of a public parking garage into an 83-unit social housing complex centered on a number of elements: creating an internal courtyard, offering new perspectives on the neighborhood, and designing private and shared spaces that maximize natural light throughout the day. Designed by NZI Architectes – established by Sandra de Giorgio and Gianluca Gaudenzi in 2012 – the project repurposes a 1930s parking garage located between Rue Nollet and Rue de la Condamine. The project balances renovation and the preservation of existing elements with strategic demolition and reconstruction to optimize space within a dense urban context. The approach prioritized occupant comfort and quality of life while respecting the character of the surrounding architecture.

Designing with light

This integration of past and present is visible at the new Rue Nollet entrance, which occupies the site of the former garage entry. The narrow facade, which features the same window profiles used as a recurring motif throughout the project, has been rebuilt and insulated with CLT panels and wood fiber. The importance of natural light and transparency is especially clear in the strategic removal of the building’s core to create two residential blocks. Via expansive glazing, these volumes now overlook a central landscaped courtyard. This configuration enhances both natural light and cross-ventilation, with unit layouts optimized for solar orientation.

Residential life and social interaction

Beyond prioritizing quality of life, NZI Architectes focused on creating internal and external communal areas, with the central courtyard serving as the project’s social anchor. This programmed green space features benches, bicycle racks, and amenities designed to encourage resident interaction. The building provides several other communal areas, including a lobby, shared kitchen, lounge, and laundry room. These facilities are accessed via circulation paths that are clearly separated from the private residential entries.

Sustainability and materials

To limit the project’s environmental impact and improve long-term energy performance, the architects avoided total demolition, preserving sound sections of the original garage. The design also incorporates state-of-the-art materials and systems. The courtyard elevations, for instance, use prefabricated timber-frame walls insulated with wood fiber.Prefabrication and dry building methods also streamlined the construction phase while minimizing disruption for residents in the surrounding buildings.

Expansive glazing defines the project visually. In conjunction with an aluminum louver system to balance solar gain, it provides optimal daylighting and thermal comfort throughout. Inside, the apartments feature a warm, muted palette of neutral tones and natural wood.

>> Related: A Parisian social housing project by Atelier Tarabusi