h2o architectes

Description

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 was demolished to create a planted forecourt at the entrance while opening the main façade on all levels. The old concrete window grilles were restored to preserve the building’s identity, with only a few horizontal lines cut into them to improve visibility. The existing system of half-levels was 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 it to be partitioned according to users’ needs. The main vertical circulation core is 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 was preserved and highlighted by sandblasting the new and existing concrete to create a uniform finish that complements the wood-clad central volume. An existing vertical extension was reorganised 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.