A restrained and expressive architecture serving the community

Located at the heart of the new Elmen district developed by SNHBM, the “Maison pour tous” (House for All) is conceived as a place for meeting and social interaction for all residents. Its architecture aims to be simple, legible, and distinctive at the same time. Through its clear lines and strong formal expression, the building becomes a recognizable landmark within the neighborhood.

The architectural composition is based on a clear principle: a largely open and transparent base accommodates the public functions. This glazed ground floor houses the community hall and the brasserie and opens generously onto the square. Through this transparency, the public space naturally extends into the building, reinforcing its welcoming and collective character.

Above it, a more compact and darker volume appears to float over the base. This contrast creates an architectural tension that gives the building a strong identity. The upper floor, more enclosed and punctuated with openings arranged according to the interior needs, accommodates a rehearsal and performance space for the Dadofonic troupe of Ligue HMC, as well as flexible meeting rooms intended for neighborhood associations. These spaces also benefit from a large terrace.

The architecture favors robust, durable, and warm materials. Wood, widely used throughout the project, adds a tactile and welcoming dimension. On the ground floor, the fully glazed façades are composed of steel and aluminum curtain walls that enhance transparency. The main entrances are subtly highlighted within this rhythmic façade, while the paving of the square continues up to the building, creating continuity between exterior and interior. To the east, the difference in level becomes an outdoor agora, encouraging gatherings and events.

In contrast with the transparency of the base, the upper floor is clad in charred larch. The underside of the suspended volume extends into the interior, reinforcing the continuity between the exterior architecture and the indoor spaces. Together, these elements embody the ambition of the project: an architecture that is simple, generous, and deeply inhabited.