nomade architectes delivers sustainable housing for the elderly in france

nomade architectes delivers sustainable housing for the elderly in france
images © luc boegly
all images courtesy of nomade architectes

french firm ‘nomade architectes‘ has completed the first BBC classified (low consumption building) housing for the elderly in france, ‘EHPA’. the environmentally efficient accommodation facility is located in a rural environment in the town of concoret. the design ensures that a stimulating atmosphere is provided with areas for social interaction, while still respecting each person’s privacy. incorporating a high performance energy approach into the construction process, the interior layout is based on optimized flow management and a functional distribution of the spaces. the ‘EHPA’ takes advantage of the site’s natural sloping terrain, organizing the volume around the different levels to reduce its overall footprint. positioned right up against the hillside, the building opens generously to the surrounding landscape.

the environmentally efficient ‘concoret housing for the elderly’ is located in a rural environment

the facility is constructed from a combined concrete and timber structure with local wood used on the exterior. this vertical cladding alternates between two color tones, grey and natural across the façades. a canopy marks the entrance to the building on the north side, which is interspersed with cut-outs to introduce soft light through to the circulation areas. the south face has a series of terraces and balconies, so that residents may relax outdoors in the sun.

a series of terraces and balconies enable residents to relax outdoors

the housing complex provides 44 one and two bedroom apartments, all consist of a hall that serves a bathroom, an equipped living room, a kitchenette and a bedroom. each unit has access to an external space from the living room or bedroom, offering a sense of comfort and independence with views of the forest. a planted roof helps the structure to merge in with the environment, providing better control of rainwater drainage and serving as a fifth façade of the energy efficiency labelled building.

 the facility ensures areas for both social interaction and privacy are provided

the expansive deck on the south façade

interior of the cafeteria

the lounge offers views to the surrounding forest

interior view one of the 44 apartments

the hall filters natural daylight through to the circulation spaces

view of the hall looking towards the entrance

an outdoor patio

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