Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building [BP] Architectures' M9-C is an Integrated, Energy-Efficient Mixed-Use Housing Development in Paris

[BP] Architectures, Paris, France, architecture, urban design, mixed-use, housing, theater, classrooms, parking, daylighting, shading, aluminum shutters, carbon footprint

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[BP] Architectures’ expansive new mixed-use project in Paris includes social housing, classrooms, a theatre, underground parking and opens out onto a lush park. Located on the edge of the 13th arrondissement of Paris, the M9-C project addresses the issue of density in a city with many complicated redevelopment sites. [BP] Architectures responded to the environmental and neighborhood context to design an energy-efficient building that provides an array of services on-site for its residents.

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[BP] Architectures developed a system of folding shutters that can be seen around the entirety of the building. More shutters are present along the interior facades facing south, and this provides privacy and sun protection to the housing units.

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The housing units stack above these spaces providing occupants great views of Paris and the Centre Pompidou.

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The school and the theatre are located on the main level so that the public can access these features. Outdoor space and utilities are shared to maximize function and flexibility.

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The neighboring park provides the inhabitants of the M9-C development a very close amenity to relax in green space.

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The building’s L-shape is oriented along the Northwest and Northeast edges of the site, and thus the folded facades of the interior provide needed shading from the harsh southern sun. A canopy above the first level also provides shading for the classrooms.

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The interior of the classrooms and the theatre offer bright colors to liven the space. Materials were chosen for affordability and durability.

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These housing units at M9-C have a theatre and school within the same development, and this allows for less transportation needs for families living at M9-C. Including these components (schools, services, offices) within the same development as where you live will ultimately reduce emissions and save costs.

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Small perforations along the length of the shutters allows for sunlight to enter the exterior corridors while deflecting unnecessary heat gain.

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The flexibility of the facade adds a lot of personality to the development and gives the occupants an ability to personalize their space.

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The facade seems to come to life as the shutters are pulled open and closed. This is a very energy efficient way to shelter the building from excessive heat gain.

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The exterior of the building has an increased uniformity from each individual façade, and this is done through the use of the exterior claddings, such as terracotta cladding, aluminum shutters, and Buxy stone.

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Images courtesy of [BP] Architectures