House 2G by Avenier Cornejo Architectes: A Cedar-Clad Suburban Sanctuary in Orsay

  • Project: House 2G
  • Architect: Avenier Cornejo Architectes
  • Location: France, Orsay
  • Year: 2012
  • Area: 216 m2
  • Photography: Cristobal Palma

Located in Orsay, France, House 2G by Avenier Cornejo Architectes is a 216-square-meter residence completed in 2012. This sustainable, cedar-wrapped home redefines suburban architecture with a modern ecological vision that harmonizes with its leafy surroundings and maximizes natural light.

From Fast-Food Bus to Architectural Landmark

The site, formerly a quirky student hangout known for a double-decker English bus serving fast food, now hosts a serene and sculptural home. Positioned at the end of Rue Georges Clemenceau, at the entrance to the University of Paris-Sud, the plot benefits from a rare three-way view, including a scenic park vista.

The client, a family connected to the architects through mutual friends, encouraged a creative and relaxed design process. Their only requirement: a home filled with natural light—something sorely lacking in their previous residence.

Designing for Context and Climate

Integrating a contemporary home into a conventional suburban setting posed the project’s primary challenge. To meet RT 2005 French ecological regulations, the architects used Monomur brick construction with deep foundations to adapt to the site’s damp soil. Additional wood fibre insulation was applied to the exterior, enhancing thermal performance and energy efficiency.

A Skin of Cedar and a Soul of Light

The defining feature of House 2G is its cladding of red cedar wood strips, which unify the building’s volumes and offer a striking architectural language. These horizontal wooden bands act as both shading devices and sculptural elements. Their deliberate spacing filters and redirects daylight into the interior, casting dynamic shadows on angular white surfaces that evolve throughout the day.

Not only does the untreated cedar provide warmth and tactility, but it will also age gracefully—developing a soft silver patina that allows the house to blend seamlessly into its natural context.

Sculpted Interiors and Spatial Harmony

Inside, the home reveals a minimalist yet expressive spatial composition. A central volume connects the two levels, while an indoor patio ensures ample light reaches private areas such as the bedrooms and bathrooms. The open staircase serves as the organizing spine of the ground floor, and large openings frame carefully curated views of the surrounding landscaped garden.

This integration of sustainable design strategies, natural materials, and spatial fluidity marks House 2G as a benchmark in residential architecture that is as functional as it is poetic.

Daylight view of House 2G showing its clean wooden facade and large window openings.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Frontal facade of House 2G designed by Avenier Cornejo Architectes in Orsay, France.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Street view of the minimalist wooden structure of House 2G.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Garden side of House 2G with vertical wooden slats and large openings.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Perspective view showing House 2G on its corner site next to other residences.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Illuminated balcony of House 2G at night with warm interior lights.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Open view from the terrace into the modern interior living space of House 2G.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Close-up detail of wooden slats forming the balcony railing of House 2G.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Shaded balcony of House 2G with timber slat ceiling and railing design.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Detailed view of vertical wooden slats on House 2G’s facade.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Living room of House 2G featuring vertical wooden slats filtering daylight.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Daylight kitchen view of House 2G with central island and natural wood cabinetry.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Minimalist kitchen design with integrated wooden storage and daylight view in House 2G.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Architectural geometry in the stair void of House 2G with diffused natural light.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Upper landing at House 2G with library shelving and generous natural light.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Minimalist concrete stairwell at House 2G with pure white interior lines.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Open-plan space in House 2G featuring a geometric white volume and fireplace.
Photography © Cristobal Palma
Site plan of House 2G showing location and layout on the plot in Orsay, France.
Ground floor plan of House 2G showing living room, kitchen, and bedroom layout.
First floor layout of House 2G including bedrooms, playroom, and terrace.
Section A-A through House 2G showing spatial volumes and bedroom layout.
Section B-B revealing vertical connections and mezzanine in House 2G.
Detailed architectural section C-C of House 2G, highlighting playroom and bedroom.
Section D-D showing kitchen, cellar, and children's mezzanine in House 2G.

Posted by Avenier Cornejo Architectes

Avenier Cornejo Architectes is a Paris-based architectural firm established in 2008 by Christelle Avenier and Miguel Cornejo. Renowned for their inventive and context-sensitive designs, the duo emphasizes materiality, light, and spatial quality in their projects. Founders' Background Christelle Avenier: Graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Malaquais. She gained experience working with international firms, including Deremer Architect Douglas in San Francisco and Mathias Klotz in Santiago, Chile. Miguel Cornejo: Born in Santiago, Chile, he also studied at Paris Malaquais. His professional journey includes collaborations with François Roche (R&Sie(n)), XTU, and Jacques Ferrier. Their diverse backgrounds contribute to a multifaceted perspective on design, allowing them to approach projects without preconceived notions and to tailor solutions to each unique context. Design Philosophy Avenier Cornejo Architectes focuses on creating architecture that responds thoughtfully to its environment. They prioritize the use of sustainable, bio-sourced materials and aim to enhance urban living through well-considered spaces that balance density with openness. Their designs often feature elements that foster a connection between interior and exterior spaces, promoting natural light and ventilation. Recognition and Teaching The firm's innovative approach has earned them several accolades. Notably, Miguel Cornejo was named among the "Europe 40 Under 40" architects by The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies in 2014. Both founders are also active in academia, sharing their expertise through teaching engagements in institutions across Europe and beyond.