Designer Patrick Jouin has unveiled his latest project, developed in collaboration with Greenkub: two modular units, PJ30 and PJ80, conceived in the spirit of tiny houses. These compact, self-sufficient habitats embody the meeting of design, constructive innovation, and new ways of living.
Patrick and Greenkub Founder Alexandre Gioffredy have a shared vision: to create sustainable and comfortable housing that blends perfectly into its surroundings. Having studied design, Patrick first founded a studio specialising in industrial design; he then co-founded the studio Jouin Manku, where he has been designing architectural and interior projects for over twenty years. For around ten years, Alexandre has been developing compact, self-contained units designed to be installed in gardens as a natural extension of the main house. These modules provide extra space that can be used as an office, workshop or guest room.
This collaboration between the dynamic design duo has resulted in the development of two units: the PJ80, a 82.5 m2 home with two bedrooms; and the PJ30, a more compact 32 m2 version. Both were designed as complete living spaces in different formats.
The units did not start with a strictly rectangular volume; the idea was for the designs to blend into the surroundings without dominating them, moving away from overly regular geometries that often clash with the landscape. Inspired by natural structures such as rocks, stones, and basalt columns, its octagonal shape allows the spaces to be organised in a fluid and continuous manner.
This project draws inspiration from the spirit of tiny houses: compact, lightweight and modular architecture designed for easy installation with minimal environmental impact. The construction is rational and sustainable, while maintaining a high level of usability and a simple, welcoming interior.
The concept of compact housing is a recurring theme in the history of design and architecture: from Jean Prouvé to Charlotte Perriand, Frank Lloyd Wright to Richard Horden, many designers since the 1930s have sought to create lightweight, transportable structures that offer the comforts of home in a small space. Today, advances in materials and industrial processes make it possible to fully realise this ambition.
Here, the house is conceived as a design object in its own right, designed down to the smallest detail to combine accurate proportions and comfort of use. Its shape optimizes space and allows it to be oriented on the land to open up views according to the desired environment or exposure.
Every line and material has been carefully considered. In the wooden version, for example, the cladding extends to form a terrace railing, ensuring visual and material continuity. The design also allows for adaptation: the glass panels can be moved and the openings adjusted to meet each customer’s precise needs and desires. As elsewhere in the world, building in France has become a complex undertaking. The increasing number of stakeholders involved, along with regulatory requirements and sophisticated processes, significantly lengthen design and construction times.
Greenkub responds to this reality by providing comprehensive support, from the initial sketch to the final installation. Each module is manufactured withrigour and precision, using a fully controlled process. The assembly process is quick, the structure is solid and the solution is durable, providing everyone with the peace of mind that comes with a perfectly executed project.
