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Introduction: Spatial Experiences in French Cooperative Housing
1.1 Visionary Design with Velux Roof Windows
In a cooperative housing project situated in Erdeven, France, the seamless integration of tradition and innovation has given rise to a unique spatial experience. Crafted by the collaborative efforts of a group of friends, the project embraced the vision of creating a new typology of housing. Spearheaded by j+e architects, the construction incorporated Velux roof windows, allowing an abundance of daylight to illuminate the interiors set amidst a lush green roof.
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Project Genesis and Evolution
2.1 From Friendship to Housing Innovation
The roots of this innovative housing venture trace back to a group of friends who, after studying together in Bretagne, decided to embark on the journey of building a house collectively. Opting for an unconventional approach, they acquired three adjacent plots on the outskirts of Erdeven and engaged j+e architects to bring their design aspirations to life. Commencing in 2013 for three couples, the project organically transformed into a vibrant home for ten residents, including seven children born during the construction period.
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Cooperative Living: Melding Tradition and Innovation
3.1 Greenhouses, Shared Spaces, and Individual Expression
The cooperative housing in Erdeven embodies a unique concept where sun-drenched greenhouses act as connective tissue, housing three apartments, communal spaces, and an office area. Shared amenities like laundry facilities, workspaces, a vegetable garden, and parking lots foster a sense of community. Private spaces, characterized by greenhouses, individual flats, and gardens, harmoniously blend traditional elements such as plain plaster walls and natural flooring materials, fostering a canvas for individual expressions.
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Architectural Marvel: Velux Roof Windows Illuminating Spaces
4.1 Velux Roof Windows Transforming Living Quarters
The architectural layout comprises units spanning two floors, with the upper level exclusively illuminated by strategically positioned Velux roof windows. Recognized by the district architect as an indispensable solution, these roof windows contribute to a long, straight, and traditional roof form. The double-height common area, adorned with Velux windows, becomes a focal point, providing ample natural light. Internal load-bearing walls are absent, allowing each unit to be flexibly planned and distinctly different from its counterparts.
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Technical Ingenuity: Harnessing Daylight for Sustainability
5.1 Conscious Design for Optimal Daylight Levels
Architects prioritized the significance of adequate daylight levels in every room, recognizing sunlight as a catalyst that breathes life into architectural elements and serves as a primary source of heating. To optimize energy efficiency, high-performance insulation and materials with high inertia were employed. A double-flow ventilation system facilitates the distribution of stored solar energy throughout the house. The innovative use of polycarbonate cladding and movable garden façades with hinges ensures optimal ventilation while maintaining thermal integrity.
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Project Data and Completion
6.1 A Testament to Sustainable Innovation
The completion of this visionary cooperative housing project in 2018 stands as a testament to the success of combining tradition and innovation. Spearheaded by architects from j+e architectes, Jardel architecture, Pierre Yves Le Chapelain architect, and Noemie Viant Architect, the implementation of Velux roof windows, including the GPL, GGl, and GGU Integra models, showcases a commitment to sustainability and architectural excellence in cooperative living. The window type, characterized by its pivot mechanism, adds a touch of modernity to this remarkable blend of collective living and architectural innovation.
