O6A LOT Housing by SAM Architecture + Querkraft: Redefining Urban Living in Paris

The O6A LOT Housing project, designed by SAM Architecture in collaboration with Querkraft, represents a bold step in the urban regeneration of Clichy-Batignolles—one of Paris’ most ambitious redevelopment projects. Completed in 2019, this mixed-use housing and kindergarten complex spans over 9,554 m² and showcases how innovative design can merge sustainability, community needs, and modern architectural expression.

A Landmark Within Paris’ Clichy-Batignolles Regeneration

Situated in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, the Clichy-Batignolles district covers 54 hectares of revitalized land. Once dominated by railway and logistics infrastructure, the area has been transformed into a hub of sustainable urban living.

At the heart of this regeneration lies Martin Luther King Park, which serves as the green lung of the district. The O6A parcel plays a critical role by bridging the urbanized road Mstislav Rostropovitch to the west with the expansive parkland to the east, creating a fluid connection between city and nature.

Design Concept: Light, Space, and Porosity

The O6A LOT Housing project is defined by its volumetric clarity and careful response to site constraints. The architects sought to maximize natural sunlight and outdoor space for the kindergarten and daycare, both integral to the design.

To achieve this, housing was concentrated into two vertical towers, rising up to 50 meters, aligned along the site’s north-south axis. This placement ensures that shadows fall minimally across the playgrounds, granting children access to sunlight throughout the day. At noon, the tower shadow only grazes the kindergarten roof—an intentional gesture to protect outdoor play areas.

Architectural Honesty: Raw Materials and Exposed Structures

One of the most striking aspects of the project is its commitment to truth in construction. Instead of hiding technical components, the design celebrates them.

• Raw concrete walls highlight structural strength without the need for decorative finishes.
• Exposed wooden elements in the school and kindergarten emphasize warmth and natural beauty.
• Visible technical systems showcase how the building functions, creating transparency in architecture.

This approach not only reduces unnecessary material use but also enhances sustainability by valuing raw, noble materials in their purest form.

Adaptive, Flexible Spaces for Community Use

The O6A LOT Housing project reimagines how every corner of a building can be used. The design team envisioned flexible, multifunctional spaces where corridors become more than passageways—they can transform into small-group learning areas or breakout zones for students.

This adaptive architecture ensures longevity and evolving usability, making the project resilient against changing community needs.

A Socially-Driven Urban Housing Model

More than just residential towers, the O6A project integrates:

• Kindergarten and daycare facilities for young families.
• Housing units designed for density and daylight access.
• Public green connections linking the urban fabric to Martin Luther King Park.

The project reflects Paris’ vision for inclusive, sustainable urban neighborhoods, merging housing, education, and community spaces in one unified development.

The O6A LOT Housing by SAM Architecture and Querkraft is a testament to how architecture can reshape urban life. Through its commitment to sustainability, transparency, sunlight optimization, and community-driven design, the project sets a new standard for mixed-use developments in Paris and beyond.

It is not merely a housing complex—it is an urban ecosystem, fostering community, adaptability, and sustainable growth.

All the photographs are works of Schnepp Renou