Although the four lots of the project belong to the same program, their role in the urban development of the area differs according to their location: to create a threshold for the small square (lots 6A-B), to echo the existing construction (lot 6C), and to distribute light more effectively through a division of the volume (lot 3). Particular attention was paid to the shared spaces, which include the hallways, courtyards, and stairwells, especially to their size, lighting, and materials, all in order to transform them into places of life, in the manner of the Faubourg style of architecture present in the neighborhood. The buildings range in height from three to five stories. The upper levels are set back to render the construction harmonious with the adjacent buildings and they help minimize the overly monumental character of the whole block. The very favorable, overall orientation of the façades creates a large opening into the small square and the garden.

The architectural style put a premium on sobriety: the facing of the façades is a thermal cement double wall that has been tinted black for lots 6 A-B-C, and for lot 3, a siding in larch. Folding steel shutters along the south and west-facing façades of lots 6 A-B-C allow one to either filter the natural light, or to create more privacy. The wooden window frames soften the black façades that look out onto rue Fontarabie. The building’s morphology and materiality distinguish the character of each individual building.

The design of the façades limits energy loss: the northern façades are rather closed, while the south-facing ones look out mostly onto the garden. Balconies extend the apartments’ living rooms. Solar panels on the roof provide energy to the building.

The four lots are certified according to French sustainable construction standards (BBC 2005, option Effinergie et Cerqual H&E, Profil A).

Client: Paris Habitat / Cost: € 5.5M excl. VAT / Surface: 2706 m² / Schedule: 2007 – 2014 / Team: Franck Boutté (HQE), LGX Ingénierie (All trades engineering)