Hollande Béthune Social Housing / FRES Architectes

Architects: FRES Architectes
Location: Béthune, France
Design Team: Laurent Gravier, Sara Martin Camara
Associated Architect: KENK Architecten
Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Philippe Ruault

Project Area: 1,756 sqm
Client: Pas-de-Calais Habitat

The project is surrounded by heterogeneous elements dating back from the 70′s, and outside of road network. The joining piece for all these elements is the public space.

The building is implanted along the two roads, and has four floors, plus two extra on the angle of the two boulevards. There is a gap on the first floor that gives a certain rythm to the facade and allows a large collective terrace.

The facades have a unique material: black bricks. The entrance hall is conceived as a large colored window over public space, creating a strong contrast between its transparency and the opacity of black bricks.