AAVP architecture links historical parisian crossroads in wood-framed housing block

Etoffes de Tolbiac in Paris accommodates housing and commerce

Paris-based AAVP Architecture host multiple forms of housing expression in the recent project ‘Etoffes de Tolbiac’, exploring the potential of common spaces. To connect historical heritage and contemporary living, the project attempts to arrange a set of different housing typologies in the intersection of ‘Tolbiac’ and ‘Chevaleret’ streets

changing the Parisian landscape. At the crossroads of the old city and the city in formation, the Etoffes de Tolbiac project takes site giving back a specific housing identity that is open to the city while filtering invasive nuisances and stimuli.

The site occupies a strategic position at the corner of two streets that are separated by a level difference of nearly seven meters and linked by the historical staircase. Craft workshops and warehouses built from the 1920s to the 1960s are replaced by a mixed operation with 3000 sqm of commercial space and 5000 sqm of housing. The living spaces host 88 apartments, divided between four blocks, three of which are joined by common areas and an independent block on the ground floor. The statement grid of balconies unifies the three parts of the project reconstituting the continuous fabric of the Parisian street.

all images courtesy of Luc Boegly

Solid wood and metal generate a sophisticated corner facade 

The duality of wood and concrete defines the design of the project. The mechanical qualities of concrete, its resistance to fire, and its acoustic attenuation capabilities led to its use in the structure. Larch wood is used as cladding on all surfaces, while the structures of the wood-frame walls and the vertical uprights of the facade are made of Douglas fir. The visible wood elements acquire a dark color, reminiscing the facades of the old warehouses of industrial Paris. Solid wood was chosen by the team as the main material in the construction, while glued laminated elements appear very occasionally for the creation of curved beams carrying common spaces.

The metal used for the railings regulates a subtle play in the placement of the vertical posts of the balconies. Following a non-regular pattern, the railings gradually corbel onto the street space. The device animates the facade and increases the surface of the floor area. The grid unites the street blocks while, also, absorbing the unused void spaces. On the courtyard side, the interstices become common spaces functioning as terraces and plazas, with hoppers visually linking the different levels. The structure features elements, such as ‘nests’ and hanging lounges to be shared by the residents. The circulation system revisits the joyful disorder of the backyards of the industrial suburbs of Paris. Etoffes de Tolbiac offers an alternative housing experience open to all residents and passers-by. 

the living spaces host 88 apartments divided between four blocks

the project operates in 3000 sqm of commercial space and 5000 sqm of housing

the two streets are separated by a level difference of nearly seven meters and linked by the historical staircase

the metal grid of balconies unifies the parts of the project reconstituting the continuous fabric of the Parisian street

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project info:

name: Etoffes de Tolbiac
designer: AAVP (Atelier Architecture Vincent Parreira)

project owner: Emerige Résidentiel

artists: Claudine Drai – Stéphane Vigny

location: Paris, France

photography: Luc Boegly | @lucboegly

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom