h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
image © stéphane chalmeau
all images courtesy of h2o architects

 

 

 

extending this 19th century building and renovating its unfinished facade, french firm h2o architectes have inserted 20 new social housing units and 3 commercial spaces. the building is located along rue godefroy cavaignac in paris where its existing conditions failed to meet new standards of social housing hygiene and security standards. completing the requirements of the ‘patrimoine habitat environnement’ certification, the architects also wanted to renew the image of the building from the street. a contemporary reinvention of the traditional bow-window helps to break the visual monotony of the current street alignment, but also merges the addition into its surroundings. the extension features a geometric volume with an alternation of voids and solids that cut diagonally through the facade. the interior architecture of the apartments is uplifting and light filled with varying outlooks to the street below. balcony spaces give occupants the chance to practice urban gardening, and the landscaped courtyard is transformed into a planted patio. visible from the street due to a transparent wall, this open air meeting point creates a secure environment for the dwellers. not only transforming the visual aesthetic of the street, the project also reinvents the social life for its inhabitants.

 

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
the new building extension with a contemporary reinvention of the bow-window
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
building as viewed from the street while still under construction
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
the new facade of the building’s extension and entrance with commercial windows
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
interior of the new social housing units
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
living room and building extension on the right
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
view of living room, the apartments all have different orientations
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
entrance hall and view towards the courtyard and stairs with natural light
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
courtyard with landscaping
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
looking down into the courtyard from the upper level
image © stéphane chalmeau

 

 

 

 

 

h2o architectes redesigns 20 social housing units in paris
section of the new extension

 

 

project info:



 

program: renovation and extension of 20 social housing apartments and 3 commercial spaces
location: 5 rue godefroy cavaignac, paris (75011)
client: siemp, société immobilière d’économie mixte de la ville de paris
team: h2o architectes (lead architect), with ingénierie louis choulet
mechanical and sustainability engineer: grif structure,
quantity surveyor: cabinet virtz
surface: 1 850 m²
cost: 2 800 000 €ht
schedule: delivery of the building and commercial space, june 2013

 

 

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