Timber Construction in the Heart of the Block
The project proposes the construction of a compact programme within the interior courtyard of a city block, as an extension of the existing hôtel particulier, which will be fully preserved. Situated at the rear of the plot and adjoining the existing building — accessed via a covered passageway — the plan is organised in an L-shape in order to maximise views along the length of the plot.
An Animated Roofscape — A Fifth Façade
To enhance the fifth façade, the roof is designed to be animated by vegetation — chosen not merely for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its function. A staircase will make this terrace an accessible "green classroom" where children can discover gardening and natural cycles. Generous roof openings bring natural light into the classrooms below through rooftop skylights.
General Description
The project proposes the construction of a compact programme within the interior courtyard of a city block, as an extension of the existing hôtel particulier, which will be fully preserved. Situated at the rear of the plot and adjoining the existing building — accessed via a covered passageway — the plan is organised in an L-shape in order to maximise views along the length of the plot.
To enhance the fifth façade, the roof is designed to be animated by vegetation — chosen not merely for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its function. A staircase will make this terrace an accessible "green classroom" where children can discover gardening and natural cycles. Generous roof openings bring natural light into the classrooms below through rooftop skylights.
The materials will be durable and resilient, taking into account the scarcity of resources and their impact on human health. They will ideally be recyclable and present low toxic emissions. The façade cladding will be resistant and require minimal maintenance.
The timber needed to construct a building such as this grows in just 216 seconds in our forests. Wood is the only construction material that absorbs more CO₂ than it produces throughout its entire life cycle — from growth and manufacturing through to installation in buildings. Each tree draws CO₂ from the atmosphere, stores carbon through photosynthesis, and releases oxygen back into the air. The superstructure of the project will be constructed entirely from a timber frame system, including both vertical elements and floor plates.
The façades of the proposed building will be clad in open-jointed timber battens. These are complemented by black steel cladding panels, which serve the intended architectural language. The flat roof terraces will be finished with timber decking in the same species as that used on the façades.
