The project is a renovation of a house of 60 m2 on two levels, located in a very narrow area of District 200 in Paris. Besides being very wet by the presence of an underground aqueduct, the house was too dark to be between buildings and mediators.
Beyond the need to increase the living space of the family, there was also a need to gain bright, spacious and best views. It was then necessary to gain height on the old building, to the maximum capacity of urban regulation, and also make efficient use of budget. Naturally, the new living room of the house would be ready at the last level.
Access to the field through a corridor 90 cm wide and the structural weakness of the existing building, the architects did opt for a light structure of wood. In the new levels, especially in the open sides, the wooden skeleton is visible. Structural elements appear every 80 cm, combined with large glass windows that allow maximum natural light penetration.
This structure forms a regular vertical grid serving as umbrellas. This operation brings together the total volume and gives a clear expression, despite its modest size. Finally, this technique avoids the problem of the composition of the facade in a volume of this size.
Internally, the house is organized around a central space occupied by the staircase. A south-facing terrace on the third floor receives direct sunlight and allows views over the rooftops of the neighborhood. In the new enclosures, the facades are released from walls and doors and the subdivisions are voluntarily reduced to a minimum.
