architect: maast architectes
location: Paris, France
year: 2013
The site proposed by RIVP, the Parisian housing authority, is part of the old Paris, with its dense urban fabric of courtyards and small gardens, an environment which is currently undergoing major changes.
The six apartments, which boast double exposures, are spread across seven stories. The main access point is located in the garden in order to free up the floors, which are accessed through private corridors.
This design means that all of the apartments enjoy views of the street to the west and the garden to the east and extend into private hallways. Because the plot is surrounded by other structures, the building plays with light in order to provide optimal natural lighting. Corian was chosen for the building's envelope because it reflects lights. The facade overlooking the street is inspired by the classic three-part Parisian facade. It is covered with very light corian and marked with rolling corian blinds, installed directly on the façade to create a perfectly smooth surface. Solar panels are used to produce 39% of the building‘s hot water.
