Garage Transformation

Garage Transformation | Paris, France | 2023
[h2o architectes]

The former car dealership located in the dense environment of the Villa du Clos-de-Malevart (Paris, 11th Arrondissement) forms an almost completely opaque volume, inward-facing and independent from its surroundings. Through simple, calculated interventions, this rehabilitation project reconnects it to its urban context. A later extension to first floor is demolished to create a planted forecourt at the entrance, while opening the main façade on all levels. The old concrete window grilles have been restored to preserve the building’s identity, with only a few horizontal lines cut in them to improve visibility.

We have preserved the original building and the offset levels of its concrete framing, which create a sense of place and define the existing volumes. The inward-facing interior spaces are reopened to improve sightlines and bring in light through two side patios, which are carved out of the space of the former ramps. This design choice reduces the need for demolition to the bare minimum, avoiding the complexities it can bring. The two planted patio spaces give directly onto neighboring courtyards to the west and onto an open space to the east. They provide useful spaces and breathing room, bordered by fully glazed facades that reveal the building’s cross-section.

The existing system of half-levels is used to create continuous a continuous workspace, with unexpected diagonal views and a tiered layout. Three vertical cores run through the floors, structuring the space to allow the space to be partitioned according to users’ needs. The main vertical circulation core located at the heart of the building. Each half-level is served via a sculptural staircase and double-sided elevator.

The character of the existing building is preserved and highlighted by sandblasting the new and existing concrete to uniformity, complimenting the wood-clad central volume. An existing vertical extension has been reorganized so that it faces the Villa du Clos-de-Malevart and transformed into a glazed double-height volume, serving as a signal of the site’s new uses. The accessible green roof creates open-air meeting spaces and vegetable gardens.

Through a sensitive and methodical approach, the project takes advantage of the specificity of the existing spaces to reconnect the building with the city, with generous and inventive office spaces that go above and beyond industry standards. Text description by the architects.