Low-carbon Housing Materials for Sustainable Urban Living

In Paris’ 19th arrondissement, architectural firm MAO Architectes has created a forward-thinking residential building that blends low-carbon housing materials with traditional craftsmanship. This 15-unit housing project exemplifies how natural and locally sourced materials can support both ecological performance and harmonious integration with the historic urban fabric.

Material Innovation for Sustainable Urban Living

The new residential development at the corner of Rue Pradier and Boulevard de la Villette showcases how traditional materials can be reimagined for sustainable modern architecture. A key feature is the use of Noyant stone from the Paris Basin. This serves not just a decorative purpose but as a load-bearing, structural element. This enhances the building’s integration into its historic surroundings and supports a local, low-carbon supply chain.

On the courtyard side, the structure transitions into a timber frame filled with hemp concrete (hempcrete), drawing inspiration from traditional techniques while meeting contemporary performance standards. The combination of solid stone, wood, and hempcrete creates a breathable envelope that regulates temperature and humidity, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Circular Design Principles in Action

Low-carbon housing with stone, timber and hempcrete is more than just material-deep. The project minimises the use of carbon-intensive concrete, limiting it to floor slabs and support columns for acoustic optimisation. Prefabricated elements—such as stone panels and timber frames—accelerated construction and reduced on-site waste. This is an important consideration for dense urban areas.

The building meets several rigorous environmental certifications, including RT 2012 -20%, the City of Paris Climate Plan, and NF Habitat HQE, reinforcing its eco-conscious credentials.

Finishes include Nordic pine joinery, pine roller shutters on the street-facing side, aluminium shutters in the courtyard, and powder-coated steel for balcony railings. Granito terrazzo flooring in common areas adds durability with visual appeal.

Light, Nature, and Liveability

The volumetric composition is designed to enhance natural light and preserve privacy, with carefully positioned windows and multi-oriented apartments. Each level has two units sharing a landing, fostering a sense of community while ensuring ergonomic, compact layouts.

The landscaped courtyard features planted trees and open garden space, improving urban biodiversity and the local microclimate. Ground-floor communal areas—including bike storage and a lobby—directly connect to the garden. A lightweight timber-framed roof structure offers additional soft mobility parking.

A Model for Future Urban Developments

This Parisian project demonstrates that low-carbon housing with stone, timber and hemp concrete can be both contextually respectful and environmentally forward-thinking. MAO Architectes has delivered a human-centred design that balances heritage with innovation—offering a compelling blueprint for sustainable urban development.

Source: MAO Architectes
Photos: Cyrille Lallement