parisian penthouse apartment by matteo cainer moves towards completion

work has continued on the renovation and transformation of ‘la forêt urbaine’, the parisian penthouse apartment previously featured on designboom last year. with structural work now complete, the once fragmented, somber, and abandoned abode is being brought back to life by architect matteo cainer as a light-flooded residence with sweeping views over the city. with the project expected to complete later in 2018, the exterior spaces and landscaping have now started to take shape.

all images and video courtesy of matteo cainer architects

as a result of architectural constraints and impositions from the building’s natural ventilation system, multiple chimneys pierce the apartment. ‘to diminish their disruption we have deviated and transformed them into strong design statements that reinforce the concept of the forêt urbaine,’ explains matteo cainer. ‘like trees, these chimneys will become sculpted, iconic elements that outline both the interiors and the roof-scape, allowing for unexpected views, spaces and shadows.’

the apartment had been abandoned for over 30 years

to date, the project has removed a total of 680 tons of concrete to allow natural light to permeate the dwelling. the emphasize the theme of nature, the architects designed benches for the roof that appear as folded pieces of origami. ‘these have been conceived not only taking into account the human body and its multiple positions but also the surrounding landscape and views of various parisian monuments,’ cainer says.

the residence will offer sweeping views across the city

the landscape design, which matteo cainer says is the project’s driving concept, has been carefully curated. this not only helps establish a direct dialogue between nature and architecture, but also allows for wide range of indigenous plants to foster biodiversity with the city’s surrounding parks. in total, 14 types of trees will be planted, alongside 28 species of shrubs, and 43 varieties of floral plants. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

the terrace will provide a generous amount of outdoor space

the penthouse shown under construction

a south aerial view of the site

to date, the project has removed a total of 680 tons of concrete

carefully positioned skylights will illuminate the volume

natural light will permeate the dwelling

the parisian penthouse measures a total of 1,433 square meters

the project is expected to complete later in 2018

project info:

name: forêt urbaine
architects: matteo cainer architects

location: paris, france
state: under construction – expected completion 2018
program and size: penthouse – 1,433 sqm (15,425 sqf)
M&E consultant: espace temp, FR

structural consultant: batiserf / aes, FR
structural works: esteve freres, FR