10 Patios Villa by Maignial Architectes & Associés: A Modern Social Housing Project in Montpellier

The 10 Patios Villa project, designed by Maignial Architectes & Associés in collaboration with Mathieu Collos Architecture, is a contemporary social housing development located in Montpellier, France. Situated within the "Le Castelet" urban development zone (ZAC) in Clapiers, this architectural endeavor is designed to harmonize privacy, outdoor connectivity, and sustainable living.

Site Context and Design Concept

The project is built on Island I, Lot 1, spanning an area of 1858 m², with a subtle north-to-south slope. The core vision behind this project is to provide 10 patio-style villas that cater to the needs of social housing with an option to buy. The villas are arranged into two clusters of six and four units, centered around a landscaped communal space and a dedicated parking area.

The design of 10 Patios Villa focuses on the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, capitalizing on the south/southwest orientation to enhance natural light intake. The layout adheres to ZAC guidelines, employing a dynamic interplay of solid and void spaces to establish a sense of intimacy while fostering a fluid architectural rhythm.

Spatial Distribution and Typologies

The architectural program adheres to a calculated spatial distribution to balance built structures with generous outdoor spaces. The ground floor occupies 50% of the constructible area, while the first floor covers 80% of the ground floor. This strategic approach maximizes open-air spaces while ensuring private terraces on the first floor.

The project introduces three distinct housing typologies:

• 2 units of T3 (two-bedroom villas)
• 5 units of T4a (three-bedroom villas)
• 3 units of T4b (three-bedroom villas with a different configuration)

This diversified arrangement generates an irregular yet balanced volumetric composition, enhancing the visual and functional appeal of the development.

Architectural Features and Material Palette

The architectural identity of 10 Patios Villa is defined by its meticulous attention to privacy, sustainability, and aesthetic simplicity. Some key design features include:

• High parapet walls (1m) on terraces, concealing photovoltaic panels and technical elements.
• Outdoor spaces optimized for sunlight and privacy, with a minimum of 30% patio surface dedicated to open areas.
• Each villa includes a fruit tree, reinforcing the project's eco-conscious ethos.
• Vehicle parking is seamlessly integrated, shielded by a masonry bench that doubles as storage for bicycles and other essentials.
• Lightweight external staircases provide access from the patio to the upper-level terrace.

The material selection ensures a cohesive and elegant finish:

• Fine scraped white render for structural surfaces and masonry fences.
• Patterned concrete (Reckli Travertin model) for the ground floor west facade.
• Light-colored powder-coated metalwork for fences and guardrails.
• White joinery, with invisible roller shutter boxes to maintain visual purity.

Landscaping and Communal Spaces

A key component of 10 Patios Villa is the integration of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas. The central pedestrian square unifies the two clusters of villas, promoting community interaction while offering a flexible space for various activities. The municipality's vision for a simple, multi-use communal area is achieved through minimalist landscaping and a concrete pathway winding through a grove of fruit trees.

Additionally, earth bands are preserved along boundary fences, allowing for future vegetation growth that will further enhance privacy and biodiversity within the development.

Sustainable and Climatic Considerations

The project incorporates several sustainable design principles to ensure long-term efficiency and environmental harmony:

• Optimized building orientation to maximize passive solar gain.
• Photovoltaic panels discreetly positioned on terraces.
• High thermal efficiency through strategic material choices.
• Shaded outdoor spaces and natural ventilation strategies to enhance comfort levels.

10 Patios Villa by Maignial Architectes & Associés is an exemplary model of modern social housing, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. By seamlessly blending built and open spaces, the project redefines urban living with a focus on community engagement, environmental responsibility, and high-quality design.

All Photographs are works of 11h45