Located in Louviers, Normandy, the landlocked site was a former vegetable garden with extensive paths, fruit trees, and a pear espalier. Plaine Normande entrusted us with the difficult task of building 18 homes in the middle of this fragile site. Our credo was to not cut down a single tree. The thin volumes weave between the wooded masses freely and playfully. The staircases are separated into separate structures and the inhabitants reach their homes by bridged walkways. The whole building is a leisurely walk amidst the fruit trees.
The façade is structural. It is made of unfinished, "monomer" terracotta blocks that are draped with chestnut fencing that is slightly skewed, clinging to the walls by twisted stainless steel wire.
In addition to its rural Arte Povera aesthetic, the dual cladding acts as weather protection, windbreak, and sunshade.
