Densifying Without Compromising Quality
The initial principle is simple: retain the building’s key features—its verticality, rear piers, and slabs. The entire skeleton. We envisioned an architecture of rigging—an ‘outfitting’ framework based on dry construction methods—that grafts onto the existing structure to create porosity in both spaces and uses. The facade was completely removed to make way for a new skin that is both sturdier and more open, capable of supporting wide balconies. Once massive and closed off, it comes alive in both form and function. The slender structure and cantilevered design of the balconies leave room beneath for a landscaped area while maintaining a sense of lightness along the street line.
“Off-site fabrication of the add-on facade elements will allow for high-precision execution with optimized timelines thanks to dry construction methods. The architectural quality and overall finish of the outdoor spaces will benefit directly from this virtuous, industrialized approach.”
“At the rear of the building, the creation of a light well brings natural light into the corridors. It is now possible to walk straight through the building, strolling from one garden to the next.
Respecting the existing structure raised the question of service distribution. Since MEP routing could not be embedded within the floor slabs, it had to be integrated into the ceilings—without impacting spatial volumes or construction costs. The decision was made to concentrate utility spaces (restrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens) along the corridors to group the services together. This layout generated significant project savings while allowing living spaces to benefit from expansive openings to the outdoors and ceiling heights that meet modern new-build standards. On the roof, the service outlets are concealed by greenery.
From these design principles emerge seventy-nine high-quality housing units, many of which are unique, rare properties for the neighborhood: split-level garden apartments, duplexes, and courtyard townhouses. On average, the floor areas exceed standard norms, supplemented by numerous outdoor spaces, including private and communal gardens. Thanks to operable partition walls, the interior layouts remain flexible.
We also paid close attention to the selection of materials to instill a warm, muted Nordic ambiance throughout: white bricks on the facade and in common areas, paired with timber-slatted paneling in the main lobby and around the elevator shafts. This aesthetic care extends down to the choice of parquet and tile flooring. As with the market-rate units, the social housing units offer generous indoor and outdoor living areas—a deliberate choice on our part to guarantee an equally high standard of living for both.”