A tree-lined housing complex frames a naturalistic garden

The housing complex, containing 162 units and a daycare, blends seamlessly into both the many surrounding green spaces and the urban environment.The complex is split into seven distinct buildings arranged around a planted “courtyard.” This “courtyard” or “compound” layout takes inspiration from the Versailles design style. The site is lined with two rows of small European hornbeams interspersed with larger trees. This planting layout echoes that of the city of Versailles, a historic design by André le Nôtre. Tree species and sizes break from their traditional uniform rows, creating a dense landscape that links the new buildings with surrounding structures. The central clearing offers unobstructed views out onto the neighborhood, running north-south and east-west.At the heart of the complex sits a large garden offers space for planting large trees alongside existing ones. The central clearing is crisscrossed with paths connecting the different buildings. Pavers with grass joints blur the lines between hardscape and softscape.