Complete restructuring and extension of a conservatory into a mixed program of activities and student residence. Superimposition of 3d modules in wood structure, prefabricated in workshop and stacked on the old building, freeing an intermediate space that works as a common protected terrace.
Client: City of Paris, Open Partners, RIVP, Digital Village.
Programme: cultural centre, community café, co-working offices, student residence.
Surface area: 2,000m²
Budget: €3.5 M
Winning project of the call for innovative projects “Réinventer Paris”.
Team: P. Katz, I. Beccar Varela, M. Morice, G. García, M. Duarte
General contractor: ARTIS Construction
Engineering consultants: ITF (Installations, environment), CETIS (structure), Dhomino (Wood structure
The Réinventer Paris call for innovative projects gave us the opportunity, quite rare in the French practice of the time -more common now-, to enter as architects and urban planners in the very genesis of a quite singular operation. We were totally involved in all aspects of its development, including the design of the programme and the search for partners. We then worked hand in hand with all the parties involved in the project.
The proposed site included a conservatory built in the late 1970s, disused but in good general condition. The envelope gauge, allowing a ceiling height of 29m, offered great potential for speculative densification, which would however mean compromising the living conditions and views of neighboring residential buildings, as well as wasting the economic and environmental resources offered by an existing building.
Although a strong densification through demolition and new construction seemed possible and, in some respects, desirable, we refrained from filling in the envelope-gauge and preferred the restructuring of the existing building and a light, more restricted extension, carried out with a construction system – modular wood prefabrication – at the same time innovative, virtuous with the environment and concerned with the local residents.
The project consists of two entities: the existing building, restructured to accommodate the new uses (auditorium, bar/restaurant, co-working) and an extension separated from the existing by a terrace/garden level.
This extension includes 3 triplex flats for 10 students each. The modules of the extension, using a prefabricated timber frame structure, are built entirely in workshops, including the technical installations, sanitary appliances and furniture. The modules are then assembled on site.
An empty storey is preserved at the level of the current roof terrace. Planted, open to the city and partly sheltered, it becomes a place of passage, conviviality and relaxation for the students, and thus the support of multiple functions.
