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# V, f. X4 z$ u( [) ?, \/ b1 ?[tr][td]Passage de la Brie Housing by Explorations Architecture

French studio Explorations Architecture have completed a social housing block beside one of the narrowest streets in Paris.

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, F9 i9 f4 ^# \The five-storey building provides eighteen apartments in a rundown neighbourhood in the centre of the city.

Timber box-frame windows are staggered across a white stucco exterior to maximise natural light into each flat.

- t; T: a* ?4 T8 x# \8 c% |& nTimber-lined balconies occupy recesses in the facade and overlook a shared courtyard.
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* A4 q, o; K9 a) V, R) xPhotography is by [url=http://www.micheldenance.com/]Michel Denancé.

& }) w- ?3 y2 U2 [  rHere’s a few more words from the architects:
‘Passage de la Brie’ Housing by Explorations Architecture
Explorations architecture has just completed a high density social housing project in the ‘Passage de la brie’ in downtown historic Paris (19ème arrondissement).
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The Passage de la brie is one of the narrowest street in Paris (only 4m across).
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In 2005, Explorations won the competition to redevelop what had become a real slum in the middle of the City. It took 6 years to complete due to complex planning and construction issues.
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The scheme is a contemporary variation on the “immeuble parisien de faubourg” with its white stucco and timber windows. The windows seem randomly arranged in order to maximize views and lighting.Design team: Explorations architecture + Integrale 4 engineersClient: City of Paris (Siemp)Brief: 18 apartments
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; z1 ~  }' N/ Q' O1 `( n3 t; XNet Area: 2000 m²

9 V; A$ R1 T' a4 xCost: 3m