Housing in Aytré
This 64 dwellings project, divided into two buildings, is implemented in the heart of the residence Pierre Loti, completing an urban renewal. The master plan places the project at a crossroads of varied building types and densities. As a consequence, the process aims for a volumetric transition, possible within the context, contributing to the future identity of the new Pierre Loti Street.
Considering the multiple features (size, parking area, orientation, relation to the nearby buildings, surrounding areas layouts...) of the two set up areas offered for each building and the ambitious goal regarding density, a differentiated answer is given for each building in order to make the most of their respective potentials:
- On one hand, the R building, through the shape of its roof, floors’ movements (R+4 on the Charles de Gaulle Avenue, R+5 in the center, and R+3 on Pierre Loti street) and volumes’ gradual transition, assures a new link toward Aytré city center.
- On its part, the S building facing the most imposing form of the Galapagos building offers in response a more compacted monolithic volume.
The two constructions offer to the passerby sequenced facades: horizontally with long terraces and vertically with entrances and vertical flows inside the buildings, designed as «rifts». The project highlights ideas of appropriation and habitability, with a wish of giving to each dwelling a nearly private access. The treatment of the side spaces in connection to the Pierre Loti Street and following on from the buildings fits in with the latter outline.
The buildings, flows and skylights are enveloped into a natural Larch wood skin, with facades covered with solid slats and handrails made of openwork rafters, placed in an alternate rhythm. This enables to reduce linearity, to break with plan facades’ uniformity and to slice the buildings into flowing sequences. Thus, the skin offers a chromatic vibration of the facades and suggests thickness. Wooden cladding and handrails contribute to highlight the site, inasmuch as this material brings undeniably visual comfort, with its texture and tint.
