A former art academy was transformed into a sustainable, high-end co-housing project with communal facilities. It’s beautiful façade and the layout of the historical and partially listed buildings were preserved where applicable, but at the same time the ensemble was thoroughly rethought and modernised.

And since in this case, the style of cohabitation is described as ‘soft co-housing’, there was an aim to ensure each loft or flat had a private terrace or garden.

To meet this requirement, the building located at the back of the site, which had no historical value, was demolished, and replaced by new constructions that connect to a symmetrical main building with an inner courtyard.

Underneath the residential units, mainly located on the upper floors, there is space for offices, or communal workplaces with kitchenettes. The collective character of the complex is further expanded with communal recreation areas, and shared electric cars and bicycles.