Urban Collage: An Energy Efficient Housing Development Made from Stacked Houses

Like a vertical patchwork quilt, the Urban Collage housing development combines different residential typologies by stacking them one on top of the other. Designed by French studio <a href="http://www.edouardfrancois.com/en/all-projects/housing/details/article/145/collage-urbain/#.UK4zXofAeSp" target="_blank">Maison Edouard Francois</a> as part of an urban renewal plan for a housing zone at Champigny-sur-Marne, the energy-efficient project is comprised of existing three-story townhouses that form a base and bungalows that are scattered over the rooftops.

With apartments opening on two opposite sides, the project meets the highest standards of energy efficiency.

The apartment blocks span the middle sections, while the single family houses are scattered across the rooftops.

The staircases situated between the townhouses provide an entrance route to the houses on top, while the existing townhouses have separate entries from the sidewalk.

The different treatment of the facades creates a beautiful scenography of textures and colors.

The townhouses are clad with copper and zinc panels or terracotta tiles.

The project is now complete and has 114 new residential units, accompanied with shops and parking areas for residences.