A XVII century Duplex
This Duplex apartment is located in the heart of historical Saint Germain des pres, in the 2 top floors of a XVII th century building.
While the existing ancient elements such as the wooden structures dating back a few centuries , the stone chimney and others bring indisputable qualities and a strong character, the apartment and the roof are also the result of many annexations throught the ages that don’t constitute a coherent ensemble. Living under the roof also raises insulation and ventilation issues that have to be addressed for a good thermal comfort. The general layout needed to be rethought while preserving the XVIIth century valuable structural elements that serve as a grid for the new design.The direct view to the Monnaie de Paris monument as well as the stone facade dating back to Louis XIV also obligates to intervene with the greatest parsimony and preserve the national heritage.
The idea was to elevate the roof in order to fluidize circulation throughout the apartment. The Apartment consists of various small half-levels all accessible through 3 different stairs, which wastes lot of space and don’t really create a coherent living area. So the project aims at simplifying and concentrating the flows in order to clarify the reading of the space and enlarge the perception of it.
It consists of having only one monumental staircase and a light suspended metal footbridge going from a half level to the other. All the rest of the apartment is remodeled as well with very clean and minimal lines. The master bedroom, office and dressing room are designed like houses in the house while all the rest in open and made for reception and hangout.
The project tries to play with the numerous constraints and create a simple and light object that federates all the program. The clients, a young couple, needed a space where they could host a lot of dinners as well as enjoy on a daily life and maybe have a family in the future which called for minimal intervention and Modularity as a key word.
A reflexion on renovation, on recycled spaces, evolutivity, on how to live comfortably under the roof and integrate some contemporary architecture while respecting and preserving the identity of the ancient.
Project Year: 2018-2020
Status: Ongoing studies and permit
Built Area: 110 sqm + 20 sqm terrace
Project location: Paris, rue Guénégaud
Budget : 200 000 euros
Plans & Images by Gabrielle Toledano
