New architecture in the Marais

Susie Hollands writing for VINGT Paris

The building on the corner of rue de Turenne and the rue Saint-Antoine was one of the last in the 4th arrondissiment to be classed as "insalubrious". It was sticking out like a sore thumb and in prime real estate territory (10,000 - 11,000euros per m²). So, the Mairie de Paris took the opportunity to reinforce it's committment to preserving Paris' mixité sociale (perhaps it's too late Bertrand). 

Over two years the young architects with a small budget (2.1 million euros), Karine Chartier and Thomas Corbasson have pulled off a winner - 11 Logement sociaux (social housing apartments) ranging from studios to three bedrooms span the 5 storey, 900m² space.  Each apartment benefits from a terrace and the new inhabitants were hanging out on the balcony looking pretty perky when I passed the other day.

The "metallic skin" of the building gives a lattice like covering to the centuries old wall and lets air and light into the apartment as well as providing privacy for the residents.  Good news for the whole neighborhood is that on the ground floor there will soon be a spanking great Poissonnerie to boot. 

Photo: Y. Marchand & R. Meffre ©

Comments

[starman1695]

I don't find that façade particularly attractive.