On the outskirts of Paris, mXarchitecture has explored the two-in-one housing model

In Noisy-le-Sec, north-east of Paris, architect Emmanuel Choupis of mXarchitecture has designed a house that explores the “2-in-1” model: a house that looks like a single building but comprises two separate and independent dwellings. The concept stems from the context of the Parisian banlieue, where the dramatic increase in land values and the urgent need for affordable housing make it necessary to experiment with new housing formulas in response to contemporary demands for efficiency, flexibility and cost optimisation (in terms of construction and management). This issue results in a “single” but intrinsically “dual” architectural system: the shared structure comprises two separate dwellings facing each other, opposite in direction and with different façade solutions to emphasise their identity.

The building sits on a sloping plot and features a single reinforced concrete structure and a single-pitched roof that follows the contours of the hill and encompasses the two juxtaposed dwellings: the upstream unit (to the south-east) and the downstream unit (to the north-west), offset from each other due to the slope, each with independent access. Given the small size of the plot, both dwellings are vertically arranged and include a basement for service areas, a living area with lounge and kitchen on the ground floor, and sleeping areas distributed over the two upper floors. The layout, which is open on the ground floor and divided on the upper floors only by non-structural partitions, allows for maximum adaptability of each “single-use” floor to potential reversible uses or functional subdivisions.

The façade features a different (and opposite) design: in the upstream unit, a veranda with glass walls and roof expands the domestic space towards the garden, opening up to the landscape; in the downstream unit, a single large wooden panel on the façade integrates roller shutters and blinds, acting as a highly recognisable element and connoting the more reserved character of the front on the street.

Particular attention is paid to the choice of technically and structurally sustainable solutions that are both economical and environmentally friendly. The low-carbon reinforced concrete structure allows for high thermal inertia and consequent internal microclimatic control; all materials (wood, anodised aluminium and glass) left unfinished are recyclable; the planned implementation of various removable internal and external shading elements transforms both façades into self-regulating shells, capable of modulating radiation according to weather conditions; the staircase structure is designed as a ventilation pit connecting and naturally ventilating all four levels of the dwellings.