The fundamental idea underlying the design is to simultaneously ensure:

- the building meets the needs of urban integration and creates a harmonious relationship between block 2.1.1.B and the future adjoining constructions,

- the design of a pioneering complex based on a sustainable development approach adapted to the scale of the development sector,

- the creation of housing that, because of its diversity, qualities and finishes, will guarantee Nexity a good return on investment,

- the creation of a symbol whose importance will make itself felt on the scale of Paris as well as on that of the Cardinet-Chalabre urban redevelopment area.

An analysis of the client’s needs, the specificity of the block which presents exceptional qualities resulting from its location next to a park and its south and west orientations, as well as the direct views over Paris, led us to develop a compact and vertical morphology.

The compactness of the building, resulting from urban choices, provided an opportunity to attain very high thermal performances. The elevations are constructed from two superimposed layers. The first, defined by a metal structure, produces energy using solar panels, acts as a balustrade and plays the role of a sun breaker that regulates solar gain throughout the year.

The second elevation uses different coloured renders. The openings comply with a logic that is more linked to the layouts of the apartments than to the regularly spaced openings in the solar cell cladding. While the interaction between the two skins results from a thermal strategy, the elevations also produce interesting lighting effects, alternating solids and voids, changing depths of field and providing the optical effects that give this architecture its highly specific identity.

Client: Nexity / Cost: € 12M excl. VAT / Surface: 7358 m² / Schedule: 2008 / Team: Franck Boutté (HEQ)