44 Student housings in the City of Troyes by Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

It is obvious that France lacks student housings. French firm of architecture Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects responds to this lack with this beautiful group of wooden housings dedicated to students.

44 Student Housings, Troyes, France © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects. Photography © JM Hoyet

Located in the city of Troyes, France, this group sits an existing lot which particularity is to be occupied by a continuation of a block made of wood frame houses dating from the 16th to 18th century.

Site plan © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

This lot faces three streets and the Modern Art Museum, 8-story buildings from the 70's — which will be demolished — and the new Comtes de Champagne Campus.

44 Student Housings, Troyes, france, © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects. Photography © JM Hoyet

The volumes are simple boxes with gable roof in its simplest triangular form, in accordance with the architectural design of the surrounding buildings mostly dated, as I mentioned above, from the 16th to 18th century.

44 Student Housings, Troyes, France — Elevation, © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

The structural process is basically made out of wood and concrete to respect the urban tissue. The surrounding buildings are framed with wood.

44 Student Housings — Structure © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

Consequently, to respect the neighboring, the architects opted for wood and concrete are main materials. On the street side, depending on the volumes, the structure is composed of beams (50 cm apart) or vertical wood panels protruding by 45 cm from the waterproof.

Details © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

This project consists of 44 apartments including 5 collective apartments with 3 bedrooms and 3 commercial or common premises.

Plan © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects

The concept is to follow the geometry of the lot. Hence a choice for a separation in four distinct volumes connected by a system of galleries, alleys and courtyards. Other influences are the spaces, but also the light, the morphology, the construction systems. Atmosphere also inspired the architects.

44 Student Housings, Troyes, France © Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects. Photography © JM Hoyet

Buidling fact
Program: 44 Student Housing TPHE
Architects: Colomes and Nomdedeu Architects
Location: Troyes, France
Project area: 1,600 sqm
Project year: 2009
Photographs: Guilhem-Ducleon, JM Hoyet


Source: archdaily