Architectural Cases

In the vibrant Parisian suburb of Noisy-le-Sec, MXarchitecture has introduced an innovative residential concept known as '2in1 Houses'. This project features a pair of three-bedroom homes, cleverly designed to share a single suburban plot while maintaining individual privacy and functionality. The development aims to address contemporary urban density challenges through a fresh interpretation of back-to-back housing, blending modern living with sustainable design principles.

Architectural Innovation: The '2in1 Houses' Project in Noisy-le-Sec

In the burgeoning eastern suburbs of Paris, specifically Noisy-le-Sec, the ingenious minds at MXarchitecture, led by Emmanuel Choupis, have unveiled a groundbreaking residential endeavor: the '2in1 Houses'. This development, comprising two distinct yet conjoined three-bedroom family residences, stands as a testament to innovative space utilization and thoughtful design. Each home, spanning three levels with an additional basement, boasts its own private entrance, driveway, and balcony, ensuring a sense of individuality. A notable distinction is the rear-facing dwelling's exclusive access to a lush garden, providing a serene outdoor retreat.

A core design philosophy behind the '2in1 Houses' centers on enhancing residents' comfort and privacy. Stairwells and bathrooms are strategically positioned along the shared party wall, creating an effective acoustic buffer between the two homes. This thoughtful arrangement mitigates sound transmission, fostering a peaceful living environment. Emmanuel Choupis emphasized that this back-to-back configuration was not merely a design choice but a strategic decision to amplify the property's value while seamlessly integrating with the neighborhood's existing architectural vernacular and scale.

Choupis, reflecting on the project, articulated a keen interest in design solutions that tackle significant densification within established urban fabrics, especially when constrained by stringent regulations. He views these challenges as prime opportunities to forge an architecture that not only meets current needs but also harmoniously interacts with existing urban forms. This approach marks a departure from historical perceptions of back-to-back housing, which in early 20th-century England, faced criticism for cramped conditions and inadequate light and ventilation.

The '2in1 Houses' join a growing movement of architects, including British housing expert Peter Barber and Dutch architect Ronald Janssen, who are actively reimagining this housing typology. Both the front and rear facades of the Parisian homes are meticulously crafted as 'adjustable envelopes'. This allows residents unparalleled control over natural light, airflow, and thermal exposure, adapting to various environmental conditions.

The street-facing residence, encompassing 130 square meters and oriented northwest, features first-floor windows discreetly shielded by a dynamic timber louvre system, while its second story is strategically recessed to benefit from the roof's natural shading. Conversely, the 153-square-meter garden-facing home prioritizes openness, with expansive glazed doors and windows facilitating an effortless connection to the outdoors, where privacy concerns are naturally diminished.

The architectural ingenuity extends to the structural elements, with ground floors cleverly staggered to conform to the site's natural gradient, resulting in an engaging split-level interior. This design choice culminates in an upward-sloping roofline, adding to the building's distinctive aesthetic. Furthermore, MXarchitecture opted for concrete with a reduced cement content for the main structure and exterior, showcasing a commitment to sustainable construction. This material choice not only provides a robust framework but also contributes to the building's passive heating and cooling capabilities, complemented by the staircases acting as natural ventilation shafts. The architect highlighted that the building's inherent capacity for self-regulation effectively and sustainably responds to seasonal climate variations, embodying a holistic approach to modern, eco-conscious living.

The '2in1 Houses' project by MXarchitecture offers a compelling vision for future suburban development. By reinterpreting a historically challenged housing model, it demonstrates that density and livability are not mutually exclusive. The emphasis on integrated design for comfort, privacy, and environmental sustainability provides a blueprint for creating homes that are both innovative and responsible. This project serves as a reminder that architectural creativity, when coupled with a deep understanding of urban challenges and occupant needs, can lead to spaces that enrich lives and enhance communities, pushing the boundaries of conventional residential architecture.

Bloqe Architectura has unveiled an innovative apartment complex in Mexico City, featuring distinctive barrel-vaulted living spaces that seamlessly open onto lush rooftop gardens, offering panoramic views of the urban landscape. Named Mariano Azuela 194, this slender structure is situated on a mid-block infill plot within the historic Santa María district, an area celebrated for its late 19th and early 20th-century architectural heritage. The design philosophy aimed to forge a timeless and neutral architectural identity that not only respects its historical surroundings but also fosters a sense of tranquility and introspection through a series of interior courtyards. This approach sought to create a harmonious dialogue between the past and present, providing a peaceful retreat for its inhabitants.

The building's facade, characterized by its narrow profile, incorporates vertical windows and a dark-toned garage door, with upper-level balconies thoughtfully recessed behind large, sand-colored concrete dividers. Internally, the four-story development is organized into four distinct blocks, interspersed by three patios, each crowned with a barrel vault running parallel to the street. Access to the apartments is facilitated by two gracefully curved staircases located between the first and fourth bays, complemented by a unique spiral staircase crafted from green metal that descends into the apartment below, adding an artistic touch to the communal spaces. The project champions the use of locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in a natural color palette that includes earthen wall finishes, handcrafted bricks, and exquisite domestic marbles, all contributing to an aesthetic that honors traditional Mexican architecture.

A significant construction challenge involved the creation of the barrel vaults, each necessitating specialized arch-shaped formwork to achieve the delicate concrete shell. These vaults terminate at one end with a wooden storage wall that discreetly conceals a compact bathroom, while the opposite end opens through an arched glass wall to a generous square terrace. The rooftop terraces present an engaging urban panorama, contrasting with the more secluded and peaceful interstitial patios on the ground level. These verdant spaces are integral to the design, acting as transitional zones between the indoor and outdoor environments, and crucially, ensuring optimal natural lighting and ventilation throughout the complex. The architects emphasize the importance of creating timeless architecture through natural materials, abundant natural light, and traditional elements such as lattice screens, courtyards, handmade bricks, and precise geometries. This project's architectural language adeptly responds to the site's urban intricacies, establishing a continuity with historical facades and integrating the barrel vaults into the rooftop gardens, thereby crafting spaces that invite contemplation of the urban context.

Through thoughtful design and a deep respect for its historical and cultural context, Mariano Azuela 194 exemplifies how contemporary architecture can enhance urban living by fostering a sense of community, privacy, and connection to nature. This development not only provides sophisticated living spaces but also contributes positively to the urban fabric, promoting a lifestyle that is both sustainable and enriching. It stands as a beacon of innovative design, demonstrating how architectural ingenuity can transform challenges into opportunities for creating spaces that inspire and uplift, fostering a deeper appreciation for beauty, heritage, and well-being within a bustling metropolis.