by Dora Haller With special focus on kitchen utilities, this autumn’s Maison & Objet—the Parisian design trade show which ran from 6-10 September—offered simple innovations alongside more decadent wares. CH enthusiastically trawled through the vast array…
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Apartments appear to be stacked up like boxes at this concrete housing block in Paris by French studio RH+ Architecture (+ slideshow).
Named Plein Soleil, the building was designed by RH+ Architecture with a 36-metre-long south-facing facade that features dozens of sunny balconies with sliding glass screens.
These loggia spaces also have a second function; they create a thermal buffer that allows daylight to penetrate the apartments whilst providing an insulating boundary against cold outdoor temperatures.
“The depth of these loggias allows tables and chairs to enjoy the sun,” said the architects. “It is both a balcony and a winter garden.”
Located in the north of Paris, the seven-storey building contains a total of 28 apartments in its upper levels, as well as a crèche on the ground floor and a car park in the basement.
The volume of the structure is intentionally staggered to relate to the heights of surrounding buildings, as well as to allow sunlight to reach the crèche garden at the rear of the building.
A mixture of studio flats and apartments of one, three and four bedrooms are located over six storeys. Many come with double-height living rooms and some feature decked terraces rather than balconies.
Communal corridors have been positioned along the edges of the building so that they can benefit from natural light.
Other housing projects we’ve featured from France include a timber-clad retirement home with yellow-ochre details and a renovated 1960s tower block.
See more housing projects »
See more architecture in France »
Photography is by Luc Boegly.
Here’s a more detailed project description from the architects:
Plein Soleil
Location in the site
The situation of the plot at number 16 Rue Riquet is exceptional: largely visible from the corner of Avenue de Flandre, it is very close to the Bassin de la Villette and has a length of 36 metres of frontage facing south with a depth varying from 18 to 22 metres. The building at the corner of Avenue de Flandre constructed at right angles as well as the small buildings with adjoining ground floors gives to the western corner of the plot a very valuable “faubourg” touch.
On the other side of the same street, the large gable of number 14 allows the new building to be built upon. The whole of these characteristics bear a rich urban potential. Our project aims at making the most of it in the setting up and design of the new building.
1. The Program
The private owner has a vacant land of 700 square metres located rue Riquet in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, near le Bassin de la Villette and Avenue de Flandre. He has decided to build 28 free rental units with a crèche on the ground floor (run by the association “ABC childcare”).
Some options have come out as obvious:
» To develop an environmental approach in the first stage of the design, with the integration of engineering consultants specialised in “High Environmental Quality”, RFR Elements
» To make the most of the linear facade
» To gradually move west back from the neighbouring building and create views for the new building
» To create a garden at the bottom of the plot and a way to lead to the block of flats from the rear on the north side
The objectives of the operation
The owner together with his project delegate AURIS has set the following targets:
» To get a building project both robust and lasting with an architectural signature
» To optimise the building capacity in order to receive the bonus floor area ratio by getting the BBC Label with HQE certification
To create a building matching the values of project management particularly on the following aspects: aesthetics and urban integration, quality and sustainability.
To respect the following constraints:
» To create business premises on the ground floor to become later a crèche run by an association.
» To optimise the design of the building in order to reduce operating costs and thus the costs charged to tenants.
» To optimise maintenance costs.
» To reduce energy consumption.
» To offer a balanced distribution of typologies.
Envelope and environmental qualities
To secure a thermally efficient project, losses should be minimised. The thermal performance of the envelope has been obtained by the systematic elimination of thermal bridges.
That has been done by:
» The choice of insulation from the outside (material stands before the insulation slab nose).
» The use of thermal break on the south side to detach the thermal structure at the front of the inner facade (unheated part) from the inside of the flats.
» The choice of a console on the north side meant to carry for a limited period the floor of the corridors.
The south facade is organised on a principle of loggia. The thermal limit is located at the level of the 30% opaque and double-glazed very efficient inner facade. The exterior sliding window pane is a simple, slightly printed glazing for the bedrooms and transparent for the living-rooms. In winter and at the beginning/end of the mid-season that is to say during the heating period which usually runs from mid-October to mid-March, these loggias play the role of a buffer space whose function from a thermal point of view can be developed in three ways:
» function of protection of the inner glazing against the effects of the wind, which result in increased heat transfer and infiltration of cold air,
» function of heat buildup when the weather is sunny and the loggia exposed to direct sunlight, the temperature is then higher than the outside temperature,
» function of preheating the fresh air, the air intakes for mechanical ventilation being placed outside the rooms and lounges thus the loggia (appropriate as far as energy and thermal comfort are concerned).
As winning project of the call for low consumption building projects (BBC) from ADEME 2010, and having obtained the certification Cerqual H & E profil A, we have offered a philosophy of clean environmental approach. The project is part of a plot of high quality characterised by a significant linear facing south. Before the sketch work was carried out, the design team has focused on environmental issues so in our answer the issue is intimately linked to the architectural offer and rooted in fundamental elements of the quality of life.
Spatial organisation and environmental qualities
As far as the ground plan and spatial organisation are concerned, the qualities of the project are obvious: all flats are through and the bathrooms get daylight. What’s more, each flat opens widely on to the south side to capture the most of the sun.
The inner environmental qualities of our project consist in:
» A supply of free sun on the southern facade
» Possibility of a through ventilation in summer, appropriate to refresh the flats at night and thus lob the peaks of heat
» These qualities have a large impact on comfort but also on energy consumption: less heating needed in winter and in summer, no discomfort which would likely lead to the use of side air conditioners, disastrous in terms of energy and environment
We should also mention as highly appropriate from an environmental point of view the fact that the parts in common are mostly on the outside of the buildings: this will reduce heating consumption, artificial lighting and thus the costs.
2. The Building’s Setting in Terms of Sunshine
Making the most of the south facade can be achieved through the design of a thermal facade together with private outdoor spaces that increase the comfort and quality of the flats.
A thermal southern facade: the concept of loggia favours both summer and winter comfort. The loggia is a buffer zone consisting in two sliding glass walls that can open and close according to the variations of temperature.
This concept provides several functions:
» A function of protection: heat losses are reduced.
» A supply of free heating by the sun: that heat is absorbed by the floor and the walls and released at night.
» Given the 1.700 hours of sunshine per year, this supply is particularly significant in terms of energy savings.
» The function of preheating fresh air, provided by controlled mechanical ventilation.
Provide comfort of use
This “thick” facade consisting in loggias running outside along the living rooms and the bedrooms provide a nice patio area. The depth of these loggias allows tables and chairs to enjoy the sun. As extensions of the living rooms some of the loggias have clear glass bays on two levels. This extra space can be opened or closed depending on the sunlight. It is both a balcony and a winter garden. As extensions of the bedrooms loggias have clear glass bays in the foreground and screened glass bays over the street. This treatment filters views and sunshine for more privacy.
3. Integrating the Project in the Context
West terraces – neighbouring buildings at number 18 rue Riquet have an identity of their own: they form a complex with a very “faubourg” touch in the type and height of the buildings and the imbrication of the plots.
It appeared to us that in many ways there was a strong connection between the project and this complex:
» There must be respect in the way the buildings are linked, the project must not crush the existing buildings nor pour too much shade on them
» The project must offer flats widely opened on the outside with views to the west (good position, facing multiple directions).
» Sunlight should reach the garden at the bottom of the plot.
For all these reasons we opted for gradually decreasing terraces on its western side. The terraces would run from west to east but also from south to north which allows light to reach the bottom of the plot. The choice of terraces and vegetal roofs make it even more pleasant for future residents and the neighbourhood.
Compliance with the local urbanism plan
Consistent with Parisian architecture and in accordance with the Local Urbanism Plan, the project suggests marking a base to ground floor by the building of a glass facade running all the imposed 3.20 metres of height. The two last levels stand back in conformity with the templates, so that the attic stands out. The yard created at the north east corner of the plot as an extension of the existing adjoining courtyards is there to create crossing flats.
4. Create Outdoor Space to Benefit Everybody
The project offers several types of outdoor spaces: A large courtyard with a real garden for the crèche on the ground floor. Keeping in mind the fact that the flat is located in a plant growing area, the two of them form a large open space of pleasant proportions: 150 square metres.
This creates a vegetal strip of land which can be enjoyed not only from the ground floor but also from the corridors of distribution and the west terraces. These buildings have an open outlook and leave perspectives free. And finally this garden is a valuable space for the buildings close to the imbricate plots.
A court in angle
As an extension of an already existing adjoining yard, a yard in the corner allows the creation of crossing flats and on a city scale to keep open spaces designed to let the housing block breathe.
Common terrace on the top floor
On the last floor, the roof terrace of the studio R 5 is a common terrace, sheltered from the street and multi-orientated.
Private outdoor spaces
Each flat except for the studios overlooking the courtyard owns a private outdoor loggia. The western corner flats even have a terrace facing southwest.
5. To Create All-Through Flats with Multiple Views
The very thin (8 metres inside the flats) building allows the creation of all-through and bright buildings on the following lay-out:
» Halls, kitchens and bathrooms facing north.
» Living- rooms and bedrooms with loggias facing south.
All flats are at least all-through flats. Those located on the western side face south-west and north. There is a flat on the ground floor with a 35 square metre terrace facing west. Except for the two rooms overlooking the courtyard, they all have private outdoor space. The ceilings are 2.50 metre high and on the west side living rooms have partial double heights(+ 1 metre). Typologies follow that pattern: seven studios, eight one-bedroom flats, five three-room flats, eight four-room flats.
The post Plein Soleil by
RH+ Architecture appeared first on Dezeen.
Volcanic stone walls feature a geometric pattern of copper-leaf triangles inside this restaurant and nightclub on the banks of the Seine river in Paris (+ slideshow).
Mexico City architects Emmanuel Picault and Ludwig Godfrey collaborated with Paris architect Nicolas Sisto to insert the Nüba nightclub on the upper level of a shopping centre and exhibition hall near Austerlizt station.
The project is inspired by Mexican architecture and materials. “Living in Mexico City for a few years, this project of Nüba brought us back home to Paris through our adopted country Mexico,” said Godfrey and Picault, who both grew up in France.
The trio shipped five tonnes of volcanic stone from Veracruz to Le Havre to build the interior then applied 300 square metres of copper leaf from Santa Clara Del Cobre across the ceiling.
These materials helped to create a dark and shadowy interior with simple undertones of brown, grey and gold, illuminated by low lights and the reflection of the copper-leaf detailing.
The tessellated wall patterns are complemented by triangular cornices. “Simple and sharp geometry is the defining aesthetic of this project, reinforced by the use of the best Mexican handcraft, a tribute to this country,” the architects added.
The space operates as a restaurant during the day, transforming into a concert hall and club at night.
A kitchen and bar area are positioned at the rear of the space, with the restaurant area off to one side. A dancing area with a raised, wooden stage and small backstage area leads out onto a large outdoor bar and terrace.
Small wooden stools are positioned along the front of the bar and grouped together with tables in the restaurant.
Nüba is on top of DOCKS en Seine, a combined exhibition hall, shopping centre, fashion school and restaurant designed by French architects Jakob + Macfarlane. See more images of the building in our previous story »
Picault and Godfrey also completed a textured timber pyramid nightclub in Mexico City.
Other bars and nightclubs we’ve featured include a club and penthouse with chunky black trees, also in Paris, a nightclub in a converted car park near Stockholm and a timber pavilion club on Fire Island, New York. See more bars »
Photography is by Nicolas Sisto.
Here’s a project description from the architects:
Nüba Club
The Franco-Mexicans architects Emmanuel Picault, Ludwig Godefroy and Nicolas Sisto have just completed a new restaurant/club in Paris, called the Nüba. Located on the rooftops of Paris, right in the city centre, in the recently revitalised neighbourhood of gare d’ Austerlizt, the generous 1400sqm space is widely open on the river Seine.
This project is the story of a voyage.The journey of Lionel Bensemoun, owner of Le Baron (Paris, New York, London, Tokyo), with the purpose of giving a party in Mexico City made happened our first encounter with him.Living in Mexico City since a few years, this project of Nüba brought us back home to Paris, through our adopted country, Mexico.
According to the genesis of the project, we decided to flight a project from Mexico to Paris. Using Mexican references and materials, we landed a temple on top of the French capital, a revisited one, fit to host a music consecration.
Simple and sharp geometry is defining the aesthetic of the project, reinforced by the use of the best mexican handcraft, a tribute to this country.
Among all materials, the most significant we shipped were, 5 tons of volcanic stones from Veracruz to Le Havre, as well as 200 sqm of leather from Leon Guanajuato to cover the walls, and 300 sqm of Santa Clara Del Cobre copper leaf for the ceiling.
With the help of our friend and ally, architect Nicolas Sisto, we managed to gather together all the materials in Mexico and rebuild the project in Paris, on the rooftop of the cité de la mode et du design, built by architects Jakob & Macfarlane.
Restaurant during the day, and concert hall and club at night, the space is centred around a large terrace providing a fluent and festive runaround for the clients, passing from one interest spot to another, from the inner bar to the outdoor one, enjoying this way either the outdoor DJ set on the terrace, the one inside or maybe the band playing live music on the stage.
Architecture: Emmanuel Picault (Mexico), Ludwig Godefroy (Mexico), Nicolas Sisto (Paris)
Conceptual team: Lionel Bensemoun, Jean Marie Tassy, Gael Personnaz, Emmanuel Picault, Ludwig Godefroy, Nicolas Sisto
Industrial design: Atelier Antoine Daniel, Emmanuel Picault, Ludwig Godefroy
Advisors: Helena Ich&Kar
Administration in Mexico: Roberto Ayala
Administration in Paris: Alice Stahl
Interior finishing: Aaron Yepez, Jose Luis Madrigal
Construction: Josue Caniah (JRC)
The post Nüba by Emmanuel Picault, Ludwig
Godefroy and Nicolas Sisto appeared first on Dezeen.
Patrick Blanc, the inventor of living walls, has completed his latest vertical garden, covering the side of a five-storey Parisian block with waves of 7600 plants (+ slideshow).
L’Oasis D’Aboukir (the Oasis of Aboukir) is a 25-metre-high green wall by botanist and researcher Patrick Blanc, which covers a building facade in the second arrondissement of the city.
The wall features plants from 237 different species and appears to grow up the facade in diagonal waves. It was planted in the spring and covers the previously raw concrete facade on the corner of Aboukir Street and Petits Carreaux street.
“I am very happy to contribute to the welfare and environmental consciousness of the inhabitants of a historic district in the heart of Paris,” said Blanc, who has been creating green walls for more than 30 years.
The installation will be officially opened on Tuesday to coincide with Paris Design Week, which runs from 9 to 15 September.
Other living walls we’ve featured recently include London’s largest green wall in Victoria that the designers said will combat flooding and a family house that conceals a wall of plants behind its slate-clad facade.
See more green walls »
See more sustainable design »
Photographs are by Yann Monel.
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by Patrick Blanc appeared first on Dezeen.
A l’occasion de la semaine du design à Paris qui se déroulera du 9 au 15 septembre, l’Oasis d’Aboukir, une création de Patrick Blanc, sera inauguré le mardi 10 Septembre. Un jardin vertical construit en seulement 7 semaines à l’angle de la rue d’Aboukir et de la rue des petits Carreaux à découvrir en images.
A twisted entanglement of tree branches appears to grow organically from the beams of Paris’ Palais de Tokyo museum in this installation by Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira (+ slideshow).
Designed by Henrique Oliveira to look like an impossibly tangled Gordian Knot, the Baitogogo sculpture is installed within an exhibition space at Palais de Tokyo as a mass of tree-like plywood branches.
“Creating a spectacular and invasive Gordian Knot, Henrique Oliveira plays with Palais de Tokyo’s architecture, allowing a work that combines the vegetal and the organic,” said the exhibition curators.
An existing grid of columns and beams appears to morph into the twisted branches. “Through a form of architectural anthropomorphism, Henrique Oliveira reveals the structure of the building,” added the curators.
The large installation was created from reclaimed tapumes – a plywood material traditionally used in Brazilian towns to construct the hoardings around construction sites. Oliveria collects the discarded tapumes from the streets of São Paulo, where he both lives and works.
The veneer-like strips were bent into shape and nailed together to form the installation’s branches. Further wooden veneers were fixed to the structure to give it a bark-like texture and appearance.
Here’s a film showing the making of Baitagogo:
The Baitogogo exhibition is open at the Palais de Tokyo museum in Paris until 29th September 2013.
Earlier this year we posted a slideshow of all our favourite stories about indoor forests and trees which includes a 30-metre-long poplar tree that protrudes a kiosk in Indianapolis and a beauty salon in Osaka that has birch trees wedged between the floor and ceiling.
See more stories about trees »
See more installations »
Photographs are courtesy of Henrique Oliveira.
The post Baitogogo by Henrique Oliveira
at Palais de Tokyo appeared first on Dezeen.
Architectural photographer Carlos Ayesta captured these unusual views of Paris by abseiling down the sides of skyscrapers with his camera slung over his shoulder (+ slideshow).
Ayesta is a freelance photographer specialising in architecture. He has abseiled from Paris structures such as La Tour Eiffel, La Grande Arche de la Défense, the Center of New Industries and Technologies (CNIT), Tour EQHO and Tour Sequoia.
By dangling from the sides of these buildings, Ayesta gains an unusual perspective of the city, including views taken through windows of unsuspecting occupants.
“My approach of taking photographs whilst abseiling and from hanging platforms shows the architecture in another dimension,” Ayesta told Dezeen.
Ayesta hopes to capture the city, district and buildings in his photographs from a previously unseen perspective. “I can take pictures of hidden things. No-one on the ground or on top of the buildings can see what I see,” he explained.
“I take pictures of towers, offices and homes, and I am able to capture the people working and living within those spaces,” he continued. “The window reflections are magical – you can see life and the landscapes within the same frame.”
Here’s a short film of Ayesta abseiling in Paris:
Ayesta told Dezeen he is talking to a company in Tokyo about his next project.
Earlier this year, we featured photographs by Nick Guttridge’s of The Shard by Renzo Piano which showed just how tall the building is compared with the rest of London’s skyline. More recently London’s Design Museum exhibited photographs depicting examples of unsung architecture in the city.
See more stories about photography »
See more skyscrapers »
See more architecture »
Photographs are by Carlos Ayesta.
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by Carlos Ayesta appeared first on Dezeen.
Le travail cartographique de l’artiste autodidacte torontois Jazzberry Blue est impressionnant. À la limite de l’abstraction, les grandes métropoles comme Paris, New York ou Londres, sont représentées autour des axes qui les composent et les structurent : rues ou fleuves. Une façon originale de redécouvrir ces villes.
L’artiste russe Nikolay Polissky rend un très bel hommage au Centre Pompidou de Paris avec sa dernière création : Beaubourg, une tour de 22 mètres de haut faite de tubes en bouleau tissé. Elle surplombe un champs et une forêt, destinés à devenir un espace culturel voué aux performances artistiques.
News: Parisian design agency RSi-studio have sent over the image that won them the award for Best Commissioned Architectural Image at the 2013 CGarchitect 3D Awards last month.
RSi-studio‘s prize-winning image is a visualisation of an office building in Paris by Hardel Lebihan Architectes.
The CGarchitect 3D Awards is an annual award that recognises the best in 3D visualisation. This year’s winners were announced on Saturday 6 June 2013 at the Mundos Digitales Conference in La Coruna, Spain.
RSi-studio is a 3D visualisation agency based in Paris. It was founded by Matthieu Blancher and Gael Nys, both graduates of the Camondo School in Paris. The studio has produced imagery for architects including MVRDV, BIG and Dominique Perrault.
The post RSi-studio win award for
3D architectural image appeared first on Dezeen.
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