Boulogne B4C – Collective housing in Boulogne Billancourt
Sergio Grazia

Boulogne B4C – Collective housing in Boulogne Billancourt

Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés BGA as Architects

Located behind the pastoral Catholic complex, the B4C enjoys uninterrupted views of Meudon’s hills on the other side of the Seine river. Its volumes are composed of two façades that are very different due to their exposure. The smooth north-facing façade overlooking rue Marcel Bontemps offers a pattern of aluminum sheets incorporating sliding shutters for the bedrooms in an abstract motif of juxtaposed frames. The southern face folds like a subtle origami and offers alternating balconies and winter gardens. These exterior spaces bind all the building’s living spaces. Their diamond shape stretches the perceived surface beyond reality and contributes to a feeling of opening up to the landscape. The volumes thus emerge by passing from this smooth façade to the crystalline one like two facets of a precious jewel.


Use The 46 apartments are served by two vertical openings. A broad lobby fully opened to the street provides passers-by with a view that contributes to enhancing the rapport of the building to the city. The ground-floor apartments are raised more than 1.5 meters above the sidewalk, ensuring full privacy for their occupants. The space between the church complex and the building is occupied by private gardens for the personal use of the ground-floor apartments. The upper floors enjoy wide balconies or winter gardens looking out at the best views. The winter gardens come with sliding glass walls that protect them from the wind and provide extended exposure to the outside spaces.


Sustainabledevelopment A certified low-energy building, B4C benefits from the winter gardens that act as thermal buffers. It’s 3D relief facing the prevailing winds limits whirlwinds and protects the outside spaces. All apartments are walk-through, thus maximizing natural ventilation. The bio-climatic principles on which its design is based are enabled due to good insulation and wide, southern-facing picture windows.

Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Introducing Partner Geopietra
19 Apr 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Geopietra

Geopietra® is an international brand and an Italian company founded in 1996, specialized in the... More

Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log House at Philip Johnson’s Glass House
18 Apr 2024 News
Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log House at Philip Johnson’s Glass House

In New Canaan, Connecticut, Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House has opened as part of the 75th annivers... More

10 commercial buildings that benefit from planted facades
18 Apr 2024 Specification
10 commercial buildings that benefit from planted facades

The integration of nature into architecture marks a proactive urban response to the climate emergenc... More

Hudson Valley Residence by HGX Design draws inspiration from local agricultural vernacular
17 Apr 2024 News
Hudson Valley Residence by HGX Design draws inspiration from local agricultural vernacular

New York City-based creative studio HGX Design has completed the Hudson Valley Residence, a modern,... More

Key projects by Perkins&Will
17 Apr 2024 News
Key projects by Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, a global interdisciplinary design practice, places architecture at its core. With... More

Archello Awards 2024 – Early Bird submissions ending April 30th
16 Apr 2024 News
Archello Awards 2024 – Early Bird submissions ending April 30th

The Archello Awards is an exhilarating and affordable global awards program celebrating the best arc... More

Albion Stone creates stone bricks from “unloved” stone
15 Apr 2024 Innovations
Albion Stone creates stone bricks from “unloved” stone

A stone brick is a sustainable building material made using stone blocks and slabs that do not meet... More

25 best engineered wood flooring manufacturers
15 Apr 2024 Specification
25 best engineered wood flooring manufacturers

Engineered wood flooring is a versatile building product that offers several advantages over traditi... More