Sustainable construction

Mixed-use development and adaptability

Hybrid buildings and Evolution buildings

Modifying the configuration of buildings as a function of needs to prolong their working lives.

Demographic evolutions and changes in ways of life contribute to in-depth changes in housing needs. Considering that each new dwelling must be compatible over time with the changing needs of its occupants, the Phosphore teams further developed the evolutive building concept.

Design and construction processes allow for variations in the use and configuration of spaces as a function of the needs of the users, without requiring major structural work and limiting the recourse to lighter work.

  • These principles of evolutive design are applied to the Hive to extend its use and working life.


Its structure and its architecture in the form of superimposed helicoids allow for adaptation of the use of the interior spaces. The lightness of the renewable energy production facilities installed on the roof allows for the upward extension of the building.

Progress on the Ruche programme

  • The principle of evolutivity is also applied to a program of individual and collective housing units in the Wacken neighborhood.


Planned as of the design phase, a panel of building permits anticipating all of the possible configurations authorizes the addition of one or several modules on the roof and on the façade. The inhabitants can also modify their apartments as a function of their needs with an additional room or area, which may or may not adjoin the main housing unit.

Progress on housing units in Wacken

Hybrid and adaptable building

Promoting mixed and intense use at all times of day

The partitioning of housing, office, commercial and food service premises by building and sometimes even by whole neighborhood, leads to excessive energy consumption with respect to the uses and under-use of space. Likewise, this type of mono-functional development does not encourage the use of environmentally-friendly modes of transport and does not promote urban vitality.

The Phosphore teams therefore propose to increase the number of hybrid programs, promoting the mixed and intense use of buildings at all times of day.

  • The “hive” building will host a program of housing units on the façades oriented towards the exterior.

Facade of the Ruche (Strasbourg)

 

Centre of the Ruche (Strasbourg)

 

  • The interior volumes host stores and offices and a universal hall, with spaces for co-working, restaurants, a medical center and public services. A public transportation stop is also planned to promote services for it and accessibility.

 

Inside the Ruche (Strasbourg)