Social Housing Units, Flea Market, Saint-Ouen
Major restructuring of a residential complex
On the South of the flea market, Rue Jules Vallès is punctuated by brick facades where the cladding wraps around the gables, creating a “seam” that visually stitches the surfaces together. This recurring feature of the neighborhood contributes to its distinctive “flea market” atmosphere.
Particular attention is given to the ground floor to enhance permeability and foster a sense of community. The existing porch serves as the primary access point and major circulation axis. Extending from it, a visual opening from the street to the shared vegetable garden at the rear is made possible by transforming a structural grid into an open gallery in the two courtyard-facing buildings. Additionally, their southern extension, which previously reached the property boundary, has been removed. These adjustments contribute to the development of green spaces and the enhancement of the perimeter wall enclosing the site.
The layouts are organized within the existing structural framework. To introduce more flexibility, some load-bearing walls are selectively opened. The T2 and T3 units are placed in the street-facing building, with each floor featuring a central T2 and two T3 apartments on either side, both of which are dual-aspect. The courtyard is reserved for T4 units, designed as stacked duplexes, resembling shared townhouses. The original depth of the buildings allows for generous private outdoor spaces, with loggias on the street side and terraces overlooking the courtyard.
However, the true transformation of the building’s image lies in its successful urban integration:
A low-height brick is favored, arranged in a specific pattern where the wrapping at the corners echoes the “seams” found on other gables in the neighborhood.
