gens transforms vacant farmhouse into housing project for seniors in france

gens transforms vacant farmhouse into housing project for seniors in france
(above) the volume was pushed back to generate a gap that would illuminate the interiors
all images courtesy of gens – association libérale d’architecture

gens – association libérale d’architecture was commissioned by a public client committed to social programs to transform a vacant farmhouse which he owns in velle-sur-moselle in france, into a housing project for seniors. the proposal aims to create social diversity and to add contemporary features to the rural area.

three out of the four outer façades of the farmhouse are covered with fiber cement slate, following the local taste. the fourth inner façade was created by pulling back the volume on the upper floors, and was clad with not-glazed aluminum. the opening of this gap solves the problem of the old farm being dark and deep, defining the lighting quality of the upper dwelling. also, because the façade doesn’t face the street, its design doesn’t interfere with the character of the village.

the outer façades are clad in fiber cement slate

the gap

the inside of the gap was constructed with not-glazed aluminum 

looking south – the housing project now counts with lots of natural light

the whole south façade is built with glass

looking south 

the common corridor guides the users to their rooms

common kitchen 

common room

the senior housing project is located in a french town called velle-sur-moselle

model

project information:

program: creation of 5 units on a farm
sponsor: district of velle-sur-moselle
context: village
location: velle-sur-moselle; meurthe-et-moselle, france
related: e. mangin tapestry / be thermal terranergie
area: 392m2 shon
cost: 432 298euros ht (1 103euros ht / m2 gfa)
schedule: early studies august 2013 / delivery january 2016
photography: l. cerveny / people 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom