hamonic + masson extrudes cubes from golden student housing complex near paris

hamonic + masson extrudes cubes from golden student housing complex near paris
all images by sergio grazia

in boulogne-billancourt, a commune in the western suburbs of paris, french practice hamonic + masson has finalized the design of an eight storey building that contains 156 student residences. the scheme, which takes up almost the entire plot, has been dubbed the ‘golden cube’ — a name which refers to its shimmering façades. the brief called for a design guided by the principles of standardization, self-regulation and a maximization of internal space.

the scheme is located in boulogne-billancourt, a commune in the western suburbs of paris

each unit has an external balcony with pleasant external views across the surrounding area. ‘a 1.5-meter recess allowed us to include loggias along almost the entire facade,’ explains the design team. ‘the building’s outline is blurred by the use of filters, water effects and openings in the perforated sheets of steel.’

developed in collaboration with project coordinators loci anima, the scheme includes a ‘secret garden’, encouraging interaction and a sense of community among residents. this aspect of the scheme also promotes biodiversity, with a range of native vegetation planted on site. additionally, certain façades are populated with birdhouses, which require no maintenance and cannot be interfered with by residents.

the eight storey building contains 156 student residences

a range of native vegetation has been planted on site

each unit has an external terrace with pleasant views across the surrounding area

the design encourages interaction and a sense of community

the building’s outline is blurred by the use of perforated steel sheets

the scheme, which takes up almost the entire plot, has been dubbed the ‘golden cube’

the brief called for a design guided by the principles of standardization and self-regulation

a balcony overlooking the passing street

façades are populated with wooden birdhouses

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project info:

location: boulogne-billancourt, france
program: 156 student dwellings + parking
developer: nexity
architect: hamonic + masson & associes
co-ordinating architect: loci anima
engineering consultant: aretec
land surveyors: legrand
general contractors: bouygues bâtiment
gross floor area: 3,200 sqm
cost: €4.5 million HT
photography: sergio grazia