A kinetic perception
From the corner with the rue de Tolbiac, we see a building of 5 floors; the upper part rotates towards the inside of the plot. The further you go towards the property, the more you can see the last two levels, which are set back in two successive recesses that are not parallel to the lower facade plane. The openings are wide and high. In a way, their layout is in continuity with that of the surrounding buildings. The morphology of these openings is characteristic of many Parisian buildings: a solid spandrel 40 centimetres high, surmounted by a 60-centimetre high railing. They will be concealed by shutters that fold down on both sides in the depth of the spandrels. At the back of the plot, we have tried to connect two adjoining points beyond which it seemed delicate to us to come and build any construction. This rear boundary was then deformed to be composed of three sections of the façade finally. Large sliding windows open up the living areas to the balconies.
More than just the comfort of living, the project offers a real pleasure of living
Numerous periods of urbanisation have left a lasting mark on the 13th arrondissement. The heterogeneity of its urban fabric, as well as the plurality of construction typologies, strongly characterise this sector of Paris. In terms of plot, the rue du Château des Rentiers presents a certain homogeneity in the materiality of the facades and the templates. Coexistence of brick, freestone, plaster and concrete give urban sequence and a sense of coherence, both in terms of its minerality and the built-in heights line with the street.
The project fits into this particular urban environment by not being too contrasted. Its façades are in polished concrete. Slightly reflective, they will change according to the ambient light. By taking into account the height and setbacks of the two adjoining buildings, we avoided the pitfall of a building whose envelope would have been nothing more than a result of the constraints of its size.
The open-air garden provides spatial and ecological continuity with the large open space of the student residence; This approach to the general density of the island and the excellent living conditions of the residents. Another advantage is the management of rainwater on the plot, favouring in situ infiltration.
The interior layout of the housing units favours a north-east, south-west crossing organisation. As the street is relatively low-traffic, we chose to position all the bedrooms on the facade to take advantage of the morning light. Conversely, living areas (living rooms plus kitchens) all open onto the garden and benefit from direct sunlight from the afternoon until the evening. The sprawling balconies are deep and fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The wet rooms are usually in the centre of the accommodation, hinged between the different bedrooms. Before being a physical space, the dwelling is a living space. The very concept of housing remains intimately linked to the principle of appropriation of play and what it implies in terms of freedom given to the inhabitants. Living in one's home means being able to leave one's mark on it, having the possibility to organise it according to one's desires or habits. Supporting these lifestyles means allowing everyday gestures to carry out in the best possible conditions.
