4 Social Housing in Plourhan | 2024

Key components of the project
The project for four individual houses at the Champ de Foire is located in Plourhan, in the Côtes d’Armor region. Initially, the brief called for two individual houses on separate plots, while the project owner envisioned a small block of four T4 collective housing units. We proposed building four independent, self-sufficient homes, offering a more intimate living experience.

Site constraints
The combined plots 19 and 20 of the Champ de Foire development total 800 m², bordered on the northeast by a two-way road providing vehicle access. The first intervention involved arranging the eight required parking spaces, four of which needed to be covered. This layout allows the houses to open towards the southwest. The positioning of the homes takes into account the surrounding context, reducing direct views into the homes by orienting perspectives towards landscape elements like hedgerows and plantings. Beyond the site, there were economic and scheduling constraints. Although the project’s design competition began in 2018, it was only completed in 2024 due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main concept of the project and its key features
The project rethinks traditional housing models and addresses the typical issues of suburban developments. Rather than aligning houses in a standard grid, each plot features a unique configuration. The aim is to move beyond the conventional grid layout, which does not address privacy or foster neighborly connections.

The design proposes a layout more akin to a village, fostering communal living. The houses are arranged in a fan shape around a central courtyard, offering high-quality outdoor spaces, whether private or shared. Despite the seemingly random layout, each house is oriented to create privacy while encouraging interaction among neighbors. This setup fosters a sense of community, providing adaptable shared spaces: the courtyard and carport, which in Brittany, can transform into a sheltered area for gatherings.

Standards for social housing are reimagined: quartz-finished concrete and wooden floors replace soft coverings, while interior wooden shutters replace PVC roller shutters. Large windows open the spaces to the outdoors, and small hedgerow embankments soften the conventional fence separating gardens.

Comments on the relationship between the project owner and the architect
A maintenance agreement between the project owner and the municipality of Plourhan was proposed to reduce operational costs. Furthermore, the municipality took the initiative to recover and store industrial pallets for reuse, supporting financing procedures. This partnership exemplifies a collaborative relationship between the social landlord, the architect, and the mayor, with a shared focus on economic and environmental concerns.

Construction system and materials used
Aligned with rethinking social housing standards, the construction system utilizes raw, durable materials. The ground floor slab is made of quartz-finished concrete, and the upper floor is supported by a raw wooden beam structure, covered with vitrified okoumé plywood. The project also incorporates reused materials, including industrial pallets for paving the forecourt. Stormwater management is carefully planned, with a drainage system absorbing water beneath the forecourt and gardens, further enhancing the economic and ecological benefits of the project.

Category:Social HousingLocation:Plourhan, FranceArchitect: Simon Masson, FranceArchitecture Office:BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Design Team: BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Photographer: BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)