The current Clair Joie young workers' residence is now outdated. The renovation program includes a complete restructuring of the accommodations, with the repurposing of the space previously used as a cafeteria. All three buildings that make up the residence are being entirely redesigned, both architecturally and technically. Taking advantage of this renovation project, the buildings will also be upgraded from an environmental perspective.
At the heart of the residence, the garden is being completely redesigned with the addition of a garage for residents' bicycles. The lawns will be furnished with one-piece concrete benches with wooden seats. This built-in furniture was designed by the firm and custom-made by the general contractor in charge of the project. The communal living spaces are new and spacious, restoring a sense of privacy to the residence.
The project comprises three distinct buildings, each with different construction methods. The program adapts to the existing structure by preserving the structural framework and window openings. No alterations to the façade are being made, preserving the existing appearance and form. Located directly visible from the cathedral, the project is subject to the oversight of the Architect of the Buildings of France. The vaulted cellars of one of the buildings date back to the 17th century.
Previous modifications to the older sections are irreversible and have profoundly altered the form of one of the three buildings, whose upper floor has been entirely rebuilt, widening its width. This modification allowed for the creation of studio apartments on either side of a central corridor. The third building, itself composed of a main building and a secondary wing, is a 1960s construction, built to complement a neoclassical architectural style. Finally, staff accommodation is integrated into the complex structure of the original building, which is arranged in a cluster with other buildings. Its restoration has revealed moldings and masonry work dating back to the original construction. These parts have been spared and preserved as best as possible, given the technical constraints.
