Renovation and transformation of a heritage building, La Passade, listed with category 2 in the heritage inventory, accompanied by a restructuring project of the three-building ensemble located in the heart of the historic village of Prangins, Switzerland.

The collective housing project is organized around an inner courtyard connected through to the public space. All of the “maisonette” dwellings are accessed through this central space, allowing a significant portion of the buildings’ perimeter to be freed for private outdoor extensions for the residents. This new courtyard belongs to the category of hidden yet remarkable spaces that contribute to the charm of this type of urban fabric.

The housing typology draws from the traditional village house model, commonly found in historic village centers. The dwellings are oriented toward the courtyard through semi-private spaces, while the more private areas face the outer perimeter of the block. The plan emphasizes these two orientations through a through-layout configuration, allowing morning and evening light to travel across the floor and reach the full depth of the living spaces.