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The former car dealership located in the dense environment of Villa du Clos-de-Malevart (Paris, 11th arr.) formed an almost completely opaque volume, independent from its surroundings. The project of the transformation of the building into offices took shape through the dialogue implemented between the needs of its future users and the existing structure that needed to be adjusted. The inward-looking volume has been reopened and reconnected to its surrounding by means of two patios set on each side and that of using glass as main material for the entry façade. It allows to introduce natural light at the core of each level to provide a qualitative working environment. The existing structure and layout have been preserved, hence allowing to highlight the “industrial” features of the site.
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Through simple, calculated interventions, this rehabilitation project reconnects the former car dealership to its urban context. We have preserved the original building and the offset levels of its concrete framing, which create a sense of place and define the existing volumes. The interior spaces are reopened to improve sightlines and bring light through two side patios, carved out of the space of the former ramps. The two planted patio provide useful spaces and breathing room, bordered by fully glazed facades that reveal the building's cross-section. Besides, the rooftop terrace allows for its users to get a better sense of the imbrication of the building in its context.
Our intervention focused on preserving as much as possible of the existing structure, to limit the construction work and keep a track of the former use of the building. This design choice of preserving the access ramps and of setting the patios on each side of the building reduces the need for demolition to the bare minimum. The constrained access to the site also motivated the limitation of structural work. In addition, we resorted to bio-based materials such as wood wool for the thermal insulation of the building and to certified French wood for the interior layouts, planted both patios and the accessible rooftop, and obtained environmental certifications. Besides, the natural ventilation of the façade reduces to the minimum the need for cooling down the building.
The former car dealership located in the dense environment of the Villa du Clos-de-Malevart (Paris, 11th Arrondissement) forms an almost completely opaque volume, inward-facing and independent from its surroundings. Through simple, calculated interventions, this rehabilitation project reconnects it to its urban context. A later extension to the first floor is demolished to create a planted forecourt at the entrance, while opening the main façade on all levels. The old concrete window grilles have been restored to preserve the building's identity, with only a few horizontal lines cut in them to improve visibility. The existing system of half-levels is used to create a continuous workspace, with unexpected diagonal views and a tiered layout. Three vertical cores run through the floors, structuring the space to allow the space to be partitioned according to users’ needs. The main vertical circulation core located at the heart of the building. Each half-level is served via a sculptural staircase and double-sided elevator. The character of the existing building is preserved and highlighted by sandblasting the new and existing concrete to uniformity, complimenting the wood-clad central volume. An existing vertical extension has been reorganized so that it faces the Villa du Clos-de-Malevart and transformed into a glazed double-height volume, serving as a signal of the site's new uses. The accessible green roof creates open-air meeting spaces and vegetable gardens.
h2o architectes' proposal was unanimously selected by the jury as the only one to offer both a connection with and an opening onto the city and qualitative office space that would enhance the existing building. The constraint of being located at the end of a cul-de-sac was largely overcome, transforming the building's appearance while preserving its intrinsic qualities. Today's users take full advantage of the cascading spaces on the half-levels, and enjoy the protected green roof terrace.
h2o architectes is a firm specialized in architectural, heritage and urban design and reconfiguration. It develops a variety of programs on different scales: housing, public spaces, new neighborhoods, work and educational environments, and cultural facilities. h2o architectes was founded in 2005 by Charlotte and Jean-Jacques Hubert. Antoine Santiard joined as a partner in 2008. Faced with the complexity of the contexts addressed and their heritage or social characters, the firm has built an agile approach, capable of resolving situations in unique ways, through concerted action. Projects are designed to be open-ended, in a finely balanced dialogue with the history of the site, systematically questioned and always enriched. Initial programs are questioned with the goal of transcending the initial commission and creating renewed sites that can be freely appropriated by their users. More than just spaces, h2o architectes constructs places to be enjoyed and experienced.
