Rénovation des immeubles de logements sociaux Florair 2 et Florair 3

Project: Rénovation des immeubles de logements sociaux Florair 2 et Florair 3
Architect: Canevas - Architecture et ingénierie

Momentary association

Atelier Kempe Thill

Programme: Envelope Renovation and Compliance Upgrades for Florair 2 and Florair 3 Social Housing Buildings

About: The "Florair" social housing complex was built in the post-war euphoria of the 1950s.
The project's starting point lies in a thorough study of the buildings' qualities. At first glance identical, Florair's four buildings are designed according to remarkable principles: apartment sizes, generous views, and spacious outdoor areas. The materialisation gives the 11-storey high-rises a relatively monolithic appearance. Variations in materials highlight particular elements. The refined treatment of concrete, stone, and ceramic claddings, along with the choice of slender joinery, offers a second reading of the structure.
All these characteristics demonstrate a deliberate intent to distinguish itself from "purist" modernism by introducing a sculptural play of offsets and shadows in the finest details. For the renovation, the objective is therefore to find an "architectural translation" of regulatory constraints while emphasising the history and strong character of the ensemble.
The project addresses a major constraint: energy performance in terms of thermal insulation and ventilation. Three materials are used for the façade: metal cladding with fine vertical ribs, shiny polished anodised aluminium joinery, and mosaic for the retained terraces and ground floor. The choice of metal cladding elements preserves unobstructed views through wider openings. While using the same raw materials, nuances are introduced to distinguish each building. The rationalisation of the materialisation demonstrates a commitment to creating a perennial and sustainable architecture.