CLIENTGroupama
SERVICESArchitecture I Rénovation
SURFACE4 600 m²
LIEUParis
DATE2024
CERTIFICATIONSHQE Bâtriment Durable Très Performant
A short walk from the Parc Monceau, Tandem is the result of an extensive and complex renovation of two historic buildings into one fluid whole, where transparency invites discovery and connections.
Former headquarters and workshops of the Manufacture Française of carpets and blankets, the site has been remodelled and magnified to reveal its intrinsic qualities and create a small architectural gem with its trademark Parisian elegance.
The technical complexity of the renovation demonstrates how heritage buildings can be reinvented, brought back to life, and participate in creating more resilient cities.
The recycling of the existing buildings has set new standards with the transformation of two historic buildings, dating from 1875 and 1920, that had lost their original attributes.
The renovation was the opportunity to capitalise on the architectural heritage with a contemporary response to create a coherent, attractive, whole adapted to the needs of tomorrow.
Reconnection to the street
A large double height porch has been reinstated as the main entrance to the building, avenue de Messine. Previously dedicated to car access, its stately function is reestablished and offers a glimpse from the street into the activity within the building.
Tandem is a contemporary response that fosters dialogue between heritage and modernity.
Active base
The ground floor window sills on the rue de la Bienfaisance were removed to free up the views into the heart of the building, and the enlarged secondary lobby visually connects the street with the internal courtyard.
The ground floor has been completely redesigned to create physical and visual connections between the two buildings and simplify access and wayfinding.
The central courtyard was freed of its large beams and reconnected to the interior spaces with large operable windows panes to create an easily accessible and green open space.
The existing gallery on the second floor overlooking the courtyard was replicated on the double-heighted ground floor to improve connections between the two buildings. Dressed with a new glass façade, it looks out onto the courtyard and further contributes to connecting inside and outside.
Planted terraces
A tour de force of the project: transforming part of the old zinc rooftop of the historic building, invisible from the street, to create a fully accessible planted terrace of 170 m² open to all.
A connection to the existing rooftop of the Bienfaisance building was also created to offer a panoramic terrace of nearly 360 m² with open views onto the rooftops and monuments of Paris.
The small patio of the Messine building has been transformed by freeing it of its lifts and opening up the façades to bring light and transparency to all the floors. Closed off on the first floor with a glass skylight this repurposed patio allows for a light-filled double heighted lobby.
Open and luminous floorplates
Surface areas were maximised through a few targeted interventions:
• The different levels on each floor were removed to improve circulation and legibility of the spaces
• The transformation of the dark closed off patio has brought light into the floorplates creating visual transparency and connections
• Lifts, staircases, and restrooms have been grouped together to further free up the floor plates and maximise flexibility of use
The previously complex layout now offers a new fluid experience with harmonious and coherent work spaces.
Sustainable architecture
The building has been designed to the highest environmental standards with the use of bio-based materials notably for all the insulation.
Deconstruction was minimized, impacting only 25% of the existing surface area through the partial demolition of floorplates to create a coherent whole and accessibility for all.
To reduce energy use, a bioclimatic approach was privileged with internal and external blinds and the creation of a patio with operable full height windows to facilitate natural ventilation. The site is connected to the local urban heating and cooling networks, both of which use renewable energies.
The underground floors and parking were repurposed, connected, and transformed into workspaces and wellness areas with fitness and yoga rooms. Soft mobility is encouraged with the creation of a large bike parking room.
Finally, the project has employed upcycled materials for lighting, cabling, and tiling.
The project is certified HQE Bâtiment Durable Très Performant
PHOTOSAntoine Mercusot