This prefab social housing development functions as a diverse eco-neighborhood in France

This eco-neighborhood comprising 60 social housing apartments was built using a dry construction method known as the "5D process," which uses 2D macro-components and 3D prefab wood modules to create customized, environmentally-friendly structures.

Tectoniques Architects designed the development as a cluster of housing blocks of varying sizes scattered across a beautifully landscaped site in Rive-De-Gier canton in central France.The construction process uses a combination of concrete, metal and prefab wood components systematized in two main families-flat components for the facades and the flooring, and 3D modules for sanitary and technical facilities. When 3D modules arrive on site, the construction team only has to connect the utilities and fit the lining boards to the 3D blocks.

The volumes were broken down into smaller masses to avoid creating an imposing, centralized space. Thanks to the dry construction process, the architects could easily adapt to the steep sloping plot. They established an open connection between the new development, the six existing buildings and a neighboring school, simultaneously creating a variety of public, semi-private and private spaces.