In the suburban landscape of Villejuif, just outside Paris, the Spiral House, designed by OVERCODE architecture urbanisme, emerges as an ingenious response to the challenging constraints of its site and regulations. This compact private dwelling, realized in 2021, exemplifies the power of creative problem-solving in architecture, where limitations catalyze innovative design.
Spiral House Technical Information
- Architects1-3: OVERCODE Architecture Urbanisme
- Location: Villejuif, France
- Area: 80 m2
- Completion Year: 2021
- Photographs: © David Foessel
The spiral organization of the house interacts within the constraints and topography of the site, deploying a split-level typology where all the rooms are south oriented.
– OVERCODE Architects
Spiral House Photographs
Spatial Organization: Verticality as a Necessity
The Spiral House, nestled on a modest 125m² plot, is situated in a garden housing district characterized by single-family homes. With its south-facing orientation and direct access from the main road, the site presents opportunities and constraints. The local zoning regulations, mandating a 40% footprint and a pitched roof typology, required the architects to think vertically and strategically about space utilization.
Given the limited footprint, the design employs a vertical construction strategy, resulting in a split-level organization that maximizes the use of the available area. The house’s spiral organization cleverly negotiates the site’s topography, creating a dynamic interplay between mass and terrain. This approach not only addresses the family’s practical needs but also generates a sense of depth and spatial richness within the compact form.
Setting the house back from the street and rear property lines was critical, creating distinct exterior spaces with specific functions. The front garden acts as a buffer zone, protecting the private interior from the public sphere. In contrast, the rear garden serves as an intimate extension of the living area, offering a shaded retreat during the summer months.
Materiality and Structural Expression
Regarding materiality, the Spiral House embodies a stripped-down, elemental approach. The inner envelope is constructed from painted concrete blocks, providing a robust, low-maintenance interior finish. This is complemented by an exterior layer of wood wool thermal insulation, which enhances the building’s energy efficiency. The exposed wooden structure inside the house introduces warmth and texture, creating a tactile contrast with the concrete surfaces.
The open staircase, a central design feature, enhances the house’s verticality and spatial continuity. By leaving the stairs open, the architects have achieved a deep spatial connection between the various levels, reinforcing the sense of unity within the home despite its split-level configuration.
The Spiral House by OVERCODE is a compelling example of how architectural creativity can thrive within the boundaries of stringent site conditions and regulatory constraints. By embracing verticality and a minimalist material palette, the architects have crafted a home that is both functional and rich in spatial experience. The design challenges conventional notions of suburban housing, offering a fresh perspective on how compact spaces can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Spiral House Plans
Spiral House Image Gallery
About OVERCODE Architecture Urbanisme
OVERCODE Architecture Urbanisme is an architectural and urbanism firm founded in 2011 by Claire Garcia Barriet and Alejandro Elias Garcia Marta. Known for its multidisciplinary approach, OVERCODE challenges conventional architecture by questioning preconceived ideas and emphasizing each project’s unique cultural and environmental context. The firm’s work spans architecture, urbanism, and landscape, aiming to create innovative, critical, and meaningful contributions to contemporary society.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Architects: Claire Garcia Barriet & Alejandro Garcia Marta
- Program / Building Function: Private Dwelling
- Site Area: 125 m²
