Petite maison
A manifesto for a new form of construction
Unveiled on September 16, the "Petite Maison" is a project supported by the University of Luxembourg and initiated by the Master in Architecture. It is an ephemeral structure built according to a collaborative principle and taking circularity as its main theme. This original architectural proposal is installed on the Belval Campus, on the square in front of the House of Knowledge. The reference to the small house built by Le Corbusier 100 years ago on Lake Geneva is explicit and assumed. The structure is presented as a manifesto in favour of a form of construction conceived in a sensible and sensual relationship with the materials of which it is composed. Indeed, the “Petite Maison” uses two types of materials: recycled or second-hand materials, and renewable materials, products and raw materials with a high potential for reuse. The project is divided into three phases - construction, exhibition and deconstruction - all of which are meaningful and open-ended. The deconstruction phase is expected to start soon. In addition to circularity, the project highlights the idea of a community of designers working together around an innovative process: researchers, students, professors, public and private organisations, design offices, companies and suppliers. An ephemeral tree nursery is part of the project. 41 trees have been temporarily placed in front of the “Petite Maison” to create a shady and intimate planted space. These trees will be replanted by Agora in the Central Square at the end of the winter of 2022/2023.
The “Petite Maison” was designed and realised under the direction of the architect and visiting professor Carole Schmit, in collaboration with Dragos Ghioca, architect in charge of research at the Master in Architecture, Christoph Odenbreit, professor at the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine of the University of Luxembourg. The project was supported by the asbl frEsch and by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), and also benefited from the contribution in kind of a large number of professional partners from Luxembourg and the Greater Region.
