Jean Moulin,
design: Atelier Zündel Cristea
In the context of the increasing demand for social housing, the Jean Moulin project by Atelier Zündel Cristea is an inspiring and sustainable social housing development that exemplifies a modern approach to housing. Based on efficient architectural and ecological solutions and responds to the challenges of housing accessibility and social inclusion, the initiative contributes to the revitalization of the urban area of Celle Saint Cloud, France, thanks to modern technologies. This is crucial in the context of combating homelessness and the housing crisis.
The building's modern facade with ribbed panels, rectangular windows and surrounding vegetation
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
Social housing in La Celle Saint Cloud, France
Architectural studio AZC undertook a major redevelopment of an existing office building, transforming it into a multi-family residential building. The French architects emphasize that the upcoming change is not only an opportunity, but a necessity, to rethink how the building's current design can suit the new functions. Also key is how the building can blend harmoniously into the green landscape of La Celle Saint Cloud, in the Île-de-France region. This approach will allow the creation of a space that not only meets contemporary needs, but also enriches the surroundings, enhancing aesthetic and functional value in the context of sustainable development.
Floor plans of the apartments on the various floors of the building, along with a cross-section of the location of each residential unit
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
Revitalized office building and functional apartments
The building, located opposite the Saint Cloud property in a hilly landscape, dates back to 1987. It features a structure with varying levels with large terraces. AZC plans to convert six floors of offices into 68 apartments and 1,500 sqm of floor space for offices, also providing 68 + 28 parking spaces and adequate support spaces. The studio's priority is the functional quality of the apartments.
Cross sections of the multi-level building with roof gardens and surrounding trees, showing the facade integrated into the hillside
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
Sustainability as a creative approach to preserving urban heritage
The existing six floors will be slightly modified and redesigned to offer maximum spatial comfort to future residents. After analyzing the existing structure, the AZC team adopted a strategy to preserve and reuse the building. The structure, facades and most of the communication cores will be preserved, allowing the building to begin a new phase in its "second life."
A two-story modern building with a terrace, set among trees and greenery
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
The studio stresses that the building's morphological integration with its surroundings will be confirmed by preserving the original volumes. The AZC team decided that major architectural elements, such as the precast concrete strips, will also be left in place, allowing the building to match its new residential function and the French landscape. With these changes, we can better understand how different materials affect the functionality and aesthetics of French architecture.
A large empty room with concrete pillars and windows showing the greenery outside
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
French AZC, analyzing the existing situation, adopted a strategy of preservation and reuse. As a result, the building will be renovated while preserving the original structure, facade and most of the communication cores. This approach not only protects the historic value of the building, but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and using existing resources.
The flat roof of a concrete building with a wooden structure in the middle, surrounded by a dense forest
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
modernization and integration - preserving prefabricated elements
Atelier Zündel Cristea will preserve the precast concrete strips that serve as balustrades and window supports. In addition, these strips will be thoroughly cleaned. The glass elements will be replaced with alternating solid sections covered with profiled aluminum and windows.
A modern building with green windows, surrounded by trees
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
cohousing - sustainable social housing development
The reconstruction of the glass façade elements is an opportunity to explore the broad integrative requirements of the project, including sociological, psychological, economic and ecological aspects. A holistic approach to design ensures better results in terms of aesthetics and functionality. AZC strives for informed architectural choices based on careful analysis of the context. The choice of colors and textures is inspired by the project's local surroundings, including trees, lawns and flowers. The studio plans to blend the building into the landscape with greenery, referencing greenhouses, kiosks, painted house elements or fences. The gentle undulations of the aluminum cladding and the thin slats of the louvers will capture the play of light and shadow, giving depth to the facades. The shiny coating will reflect the colors of the trees, sky and clouds, which will enliven the building, giving it a cheerful character.
A path next to a modern building, with lush trees in the background
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
Jean Moulin - social inclusion, accessibility and comfort
Social housing plays a key role in combating the housing crisis by providing accessible and affordable housing for the most needy groups in society, such as families, seniors and people with disabilities. Contemporary architectural designs, such as Jean Moulin by Paris-based studio Atelier Zündel Cristea, are increasingly using modern technology and green solutions to ensure comfort and energy savings. Also important is the revitalization of old buildings to adapt urban spaces for new housing functions. When designing social housing developments in urban centers, it is worth considering not only the availability of public transportation, but also social integration and common spaces, which promotes the creation of strong communities.
Modern building with beige and turquoise facade and large windows
Photo: Julien Hourcade © Atelier Zündel Cristea
Elaborated: Natalia Ledzianowska
Illustrations provided courtesy of Atelier Zündel Cristea studio.
