completely remodeling the facade of this social housing block in paris, french firm atelier du pont have added a new skin of balconies over the existing structure. the intervention to this seriously degraded building, which contains 56 units in the saint-blaise neighbourhood — a forgotten corner of the city — hopes to add to the development’s sense of identity, foster diversity, imagine new uses and improve its energy performance. 

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
outside view of the social housing block’s new facade
all images courtesy of atelier du pont

 

 

the rehabilitation to the existing shell was carried out while it was in use and has played a major role in enhancing the social fabric of a neighborhood undergoing massive change. basing their analysis on sun studies and the impact of the nearby high-rise buildings, the extra outdoor spaces were strategically added wherever suited. designed as an oversized meccano kit, the balconies are suspended from the roof, with the applied materials and technical solutions avoiding overloading on the existing building. the new skin was installed without putting machinery on the concrete slab and by using no cranes or pods, which helped to have minimal disruption on the resident’s daily lives during construction. providing the apartments with outdoor areas, the simple idea has given not only improved the living spaces for its occupants, it has revitalized the surrounding area as well.

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
the location of the outdoor balconies were based on a sun studies analysis of the impact of nearby high-rise buildings

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
entrance showing the alternating openings of the building’s new skin 

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
the new façade was designed as an oversized meccano kit with the balconies suspended from the existing roof

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
detail of the balconies

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
façade detail

atelier du pont revitalize social housing block with new facade
view showing the inside of the balconies

 

 

 

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