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French architects X-TU have designed a building for social housing on rue Marcadet in Paris. The modern structure is clad in a soft gray aluminum skin, with (seemingly) randomly placed boxed extrusions lined in bright green that frame the windows. In addition to the windows that project off the façade, there are smaller ones that lie flat within the aluminum. The result is a contemporary, bright building with coordinating bright green interiors in the mailroom and entrance staircase, as well as in the tiled bathrooms. And, of course, the bright green folding shutters, both within the exterior boxes and lying flat against the building’s skin.

The building is thermally insulated as per the new regulations and has solar panels placed on the roof, so clearly X-TU architects have taken sustainability into consideration…thus adding even a little more ‘green’ to the project.

via miesarch

Sanjay Puri Architects in India were recently shortlisted for the LEAF Awards 2011 on their Triose building in Lonavala, India.

This dramatically angled, folded concrete skin structure houses a few retail shops, a food court, two restaurants, a large bar and an entertainment gaming area. The building is comprised of three volumes that jut out from the core circulation section that interconnects them. There are several trapezoidal windows, including the large balcony area that cantilevers out offering an impressive view from one of the restaurants housed in that section. In fact, the sculptural quality of the building integrates the external surroundings seamlessly with its interiors throughout the edifice.

It’s well worth checking out the rest of Sanjay Puri’s work. Very interesting architecture that pushes boundaries. You can visit their site here.

via e-architect