Barrault Pressacco

The ‘Central’ project is located at the heart of the vast development of the Saclay plateau which brings together prestigious universities, cutting-edge research establishments, housing and cultivated fields in a single cluster. On a common plinth, four blocks display regular, clear-cut shapes. Their geometry responds directly to the adjoining public spaces. The ‘Central’ garden framed by the residential buildings is visible from the public space thanks to the openings created by the wide porches. This large yet contained inner courtyard contrasts with the vast expanses of the agricultural plateau and participates to the desire to build landscapes on several scales for this fast-growing territory. Some of the homes for first-time buyers have been designed to adapt to residents' life paths. On the ground floor, large detached houses occupy the three levels of the common base, creating a domestic landscape. On the upper floors, corner and dual aspect dwellings manipulate the dimensions of the concrete and brick construction system, and create rooms that play with the interior landscape of the block. The project is in association with Baumschlager Eberle Architecten. Design workshops were held to ensure overall architectural coherence.