CHL Social Housing is Clad With Bright Blue Louvers for Sun Protection & Privacy

<a href="http://www.o-s.fr/index.php?/logements/chl/" target="_blank">Atelier 0-S</a>'s CHL Social Housing project is a new six-story apartment complex that adds a pop of bright blue to Chalon-sur-Saône, France. Each of the 39 apartments is filled with natural daylight and quality space. Located adjacent to a garden, the building bends to the shape of the street and features giant blue louvers that protect the interior from overheating while maintaining daylighting and privacy. The apartment complex was also designed to optimize solar orientation and minimize heat loss.

The building's compact design and layout is coupled with an interesting shift in layers which gives the facade a kinetic effect.

Separated into two volumes, one side accommodated 16 apartments surrounding a staircase with natural light, while the other side holds 23 apartments and a lift and a staircase.

A basement provides parking for the residents.

Atelier O-S worked hard to meet the demands of the client (density, cost surfaces, simple organization of the units), while ensuring that residents had access to outdoor space, privacy, and quality construction.

Each apartment has several exposures and a balcony, which helps draw in natural light, cross ventilation and views.

The exterior balconies and walkways area surrounded by large blue louvers that serve multiple purposes.

The blades minimize overheating from the sun and protect the apartments from the elements like wind and rain.

They also provide an increased level of privacy and create semi-enclosed spaces in the balconies, which can now double as outdoor living areas.

Designed to respect the THPE 2010 objectives and the <a href="http://www.cerqual.fr/" target="_blank">CERQUAL<a /> profile A certification, the CHL Social Housing complex makes use of increased thermal insulation, reduced thermal bridging, and solar passive design.

Simply yet smartly designed, the project addresses sustainable development concerns within the urban context.

Site plan in the context of the garden and other housing complexes in the area.