L’Orient, immeuble de 10 logements

Marseille

Prize for Project with Planning Permission

This housing project replaced a previous one that was abandoned due to high costs (it initially planned for 10 apartments over 4 floors and 2 basement levels for parking). To make the project economically viable, the underground infrastructure had to be scaled back. A thorough analysis of the zoning regulations (PLU) and the urban planning guidelines (OAP) allowed all parking to be placed on the ground floor.

With the ground floor now occupied and no possibility of adding more levels, the dual objective of maintaining habitable space and keeping the same number of units was achieved by optimizing the use of the top floor. The fourth level serves three interlocked duplex apartments, with bedrooms located under the sloped roof, lit by skylights. The space lost on the ground floor was compensated by utilizing the "false level" created by the 5th floor. Finally, the "gap" between neighboring buildings was thoughtfully filled, ensuring seamless integration with the existing structures. The one-meter offset between adjacent buildings was managed within the new building, maintaining a continuous street frontage.

Jury’s Opinion 

Obtaining a permit for 10 housing units in Marseille is no easy feat. Achieving this with a well-designed project is even more challenging. Isnard Architecte has succeeded, and the project demonstrates an unwavering rigor in its urban form, references, and materiality.

In a complex urban environment, the architect manages, as he explains in his text, to "weave" connections with neighboring buildings to ensure urban coherence. A light concrete structure rests on a stone base. The angled openings dance with precision across the façade, leading up to the top level where it opens up to double heights. The design of the building’s frontage is guided by the harmonious proportions of the golden ratio, offering the street a visually pleasing construction.

Maîtrise d’ouvrage : HBS, Mr Eric Haddad

Architecte : Julien Isnard, architecte DPLG

Surface SHON : 695m² SDP

Montant des travaux : non divulgué

Date de livraison : études en cours