housing for la bourgeoisie de montana, montana village - first prize in the competition

client :

bourgeoisie de montana

project :

housing, communal areas, landscaping

dates :

competition 2023

layout and dimensions

the project is designed in the form of buildings that adapt to this specific urban situation. it is comprised of two structures set into the slope, each with a different approach to the articulation of the two buildings. the first structure located to the south of the plot boundary is built lengthways along the slope of the land. its scale is in keeping with the immediate setting of the old village. the second structure situated to the north of the plot runs parallel to the contour lines, reflecting the more fragmented nature of the area. the direction of the roof slopes and the shape of the buildings are designed to reflect the immediate surroundings, thereby enabling the new structures to be subtly integrated. the proposed complex is linked to the village by a 'public' space at the foot of the south building. the rest of the site is composed of landscaped areas providing 'private' access to the buildings.

architectural design

the project is mainly residential. a public and private car park completes the development, and social activities are proposed on the south building's ground floor. architecturally, the buildings are organised into main sections, linked by a vertical, staggered, half-landing layout. each building has three storeys and an attic space, and houses a varied mix of flats with 2.5 rooms, 3.5 rooms and 4.5 rooms in a ratio of 40%, 40% and 20% for a total of 23 flats. these proportions are not rigid, as some flat types allow a bedroom to be allocated and this distribution to be modified according to individual requirements. the flats are accessed via a central layout and organised around service hubs, with the bedrooms occupying the corners of the buildings and the living areas spreading out between them.

thus the living/dining rooms are varied and cleverly angled to benefit from views and opportunities to enjoy the countryside. each flat has its own outdoor space. a loggia is not only an integral part of the flat space, but also provides ideal protection for the residents throughout the year. on the ground floor of the south building, a social public facility is proposed. the idea of a daycare centre for seniors but also with the option for the younger generation to use this space for social events (birthdays, family dinners, etc.) creates a meaningful interface between the public and private spaces. this space is entirely given over to the public and will encourage intergenerational dialogue and contribute to the dynamism of montana village. the residents' car parks are located on the flats' first basement level and extend from one building to the next on a gentle slope to reduce their impact. there are 25 parking spaces in the car park, i.e. one space per dwelling. a second parking level is planned as an option in order to meet public parking needs, ideally located, almost at the same level as the access square.

structure

structurally, the construction system chosen is a mixed concrete-wood construction made up of a reinforced concrete column-and-slab system and non-load-bearing prefabricated, timber-framed facades. wood, which is used in prefabrication, is distinguished by its ecological qualities as well as its technical characteristics, which mean that it can be installed quickly and economically. this system has the advantage of releasing the façade from any constraints and giving it the sole role of a thermal barrier, leaving the option of optimally resolving climatic issues associated with using wood.

for the shell of the buildings, (temperature, water tightness, airtightness) the structural choice was flat slabs supported on columns and cores. relatively small spans mean that the thickness of the concrete can remain reasonable. the building's ability to withstand wind and earthquakes is enhanced by a sufficient number of cores and shear walls, judiciously positioned and extended to the ground or basement. the structure is simple, economical and efficient, making it a sustainable choice.