In the heart of the lively Folie-Méricourt district in Paris's 11th arrondissement, close to the Canal Saint-Martin and Place de la République, a former car dealership has been transformed into a modern, functional 4-storey office building.
For this renovation, h2o architectes retained the concrete framework of the historic building and completely redesigned the exterior envelope. A new, elevated glass façade and side patios to the east and west give a feeling of openness to this building tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac.
Pilkington Suncool Optilam™ 71/39 laminated glass with high-performance solar control coating used in the façade provides maximum natural light while ensuring thermal comfort for occupants. This adequately specified laminated safety glass allows a full-height glazed façade without a residual balustrade.
Some glass panels have an acid-etched surface to maintain privacy in part of the building while still allowing natural light in.
The building includes a fitness room in the basement, a relaxation area with a cafeteria on the ground floor, and a 470 m² planted rooftop, in addition to the office space on the existing half-levels. The building has HQE certification and the Biodiversity label.
Photography: © Daniel Moulinet