Located at the corner of a triangular street block, this new development closes a gap between Parisian housing dating from the end of the 19th century. Laid out symmetrically, the tall, narrow windows are flanked by folding shutters that – sometimes opened, sometimes closed – present a constantly changing facade image. This is complemented by the shifting light reflections on the panels of perforated aluminium sheeting. Sliding shutters can be drawn to screen the private realm of residents. As a result, it was possible to create generous areas of glazing here, despite the high urban density.
The natural qualities of the wooden window frames are contrasted with other materials like the cool metal of the external facade. Half-height glazed balustrades serve as a transparent means of preventing falls. The floors, like the load-bearing outer walls, are in reinforced concrete. The clear, horizontal articulation of the facade at the floor levels provides a framework for the vertical alignment of windows and panels and accentuates the variable appearance of the street faces.
The natural qualities of the wooden window frames are contrasted with other materials like the cool metal of the external facade. Half-height glazed balustrades serve as a transparent means of preventing falls. The floors, like the load-bearing outer walls, are in reinforced concrete. The clear, horizontal articulation of the facade at the floor levels provides a framework for the vertical alignment of windows and panels and accentuates the variable appearance of the street faces.