Floating Spaces
A residence for seasonal workers perched amongst the trees
Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture
Studio Boris Bastianelli
Cévennes, France
2014
This residence for seasonal workers is located in the practically untouched crater of the Cirque de Navacelles in the south of France. The structure is situated in the most secluded area: by a waterfall, on a steep slope, amongst the trees. Work studios and common areas are embedded in the hillside, while the apartments float between water and light.
The apartments, grouped into three separate towers, are laid out like blocs, piled and subtracted to create terraces throughout. The staircase is the connector and acts as the spine, physically and structurally. It leads visitors from the pontoon at water level to the seven stories and half stories above. Spaces are connected by stairs and ramps. The ramps allow visitors to glide through space, suspend themselves above nature, approach the waterfall, and feel its power.
