gens transforms vacant farmhouse into housing project for seniors in france

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