House in Paris by Alia Bengana Architect
Redesigned in 2017 by Alia Bengana Architect, House in Paris is a historic three-story house situated in Paris, France.
About House in Paris
Reviving a Parisian Gem
Hidden in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, a quaint building once held dark, tight apartments. However, severe house fungus necessitated a rebuild, preserving only the exterior. Recognizing this challenge, architects Alia Bengana and Capucine de Cointet stepped in. Their goal? Design an eco-friendly family oasis.
A Family Home Emerges
Commencing in May 2016, the transformation spanned eight months and cost a total of 400,000 euros for both interior and exterior makeovers. Remarkably, this once confined space blossomed into a spacious 120-m² (1291.67 sq.ft) home spread over four inviting levels. Additionally, the 38 m² (409 sq.ft) renovated basements now serve both as a laundry area and a versatile space.
Letting Light In
Ensuring abundant natural light without sacrificing privacy was paramount. Given the typical Parisian closeness to neighbors, the design incorporated innovative half-height floors to maximize sunlight from the south. Furthermore, a strategically placed glass-topped staircase floods the interior with brightness, casting rays to the deeper levels. Inside, glass walls, notably in the master bedroom, not only enhance light distribution but also foster family connectivity.
Authentic Materials and Environmental Considerations
For the interiors, the architects passionately embraced raw materials. From the larch windows to the solid oak staircases, and from the exposed gritstone walls to sleek metal railings, each element narrates a tale. Most strikingly, the patchwork wall remains intact, echoing the building’s rich history. Hexagonal tiles adorn the bathrooms and kitchen, but, interestingly, each room showcases a distinct color vibe. Even the railings and exterior metals, with their diagonal accents, artfully counterbalance the regular verticals and horizontals.
In terms of sustainability, they chose external insulation to retain precious interior space. Moreover, the revamped floors enabled the seamless integration of modern ventilation systems. Lastly, positioned planters promise a verdant future facade, as vines will soon ascend wires, enveloping the building.
Photography by David Cousin-marsy
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- by Matt Watts
