COUTURE PARIS TOPOLOGY

This socially-focused project demonstrates the ability of a typical parisian plot to be developed and transformed, even in a very restricted site. How can we guarantee the successful complex urban development of a new building - including the demolition of an existing building - in the eastern Paris district of rue du Retrait, where the urban landscape is eclectic and dense?
From an architectural point of view, this intentionally “couture” project - to carefully integrate a new building in this typical suburban neighbourhood - encouraged us to reinterpret the classic architectural Paris style: the attics are in roof spaces, the architectural approach is modernised with a monolith block style and a continual line between the façades and roofs by using the same material: white lacquered zinc.
This choice of materials and style ensures building sustainability with simplified and easy maintenance/upkeep.
The vertical openings (two windows per room) are all identical in shape and size. Their random placement livens up the façades and contributes to the housing’s identity.

The project offers functionality based on a standardised plan where each room is identical, equipped with integrated and designed furniture, with two large windows.

The architectural project cannot be dissociated from social programme. In order to create a gentle scale, the project breaks up the new building block into three parts, punctuated by landscaped developments.
As a key part of the interior façades in the plot, plants are vertically supported by arbours or stainless steel cables, encouraging the development of climbing plants and therefore giving the façades a green covering. This simple process provides an uninterrupted layer of vegetation between the ground and façade. It creates a blanket of vegetation without complex installation or costly upkeep. The two closed courtyards have landscaping with a water retention system.

As a result, the plot is transformed on an intermediate and gentle scale into a small part of the city, so that the social housing becomes a village, a living space and personal (re)construction for residents, all whilst making it an integral part of local life.