A multi-level residential building in Paris, France has recently received some new neighbours on their lower levels. Formerly a metal workshop that occupied the said space, Parisian practice meticulously converts the industrial area into three quaint units of unique and welcoming nature.
Located in Rue Polonceau, and totalling 280 square metres, the sits on a skinny rectangular site that makes up three apartments—each featuring a different footprint heavily influenced by the tight constraints and restrictions of the existing workshop. Prior to the introduction of residential spaces, questionable existing structures were either refreshed or reinforced with new supports. Being a former metal workshop—a building typology that required minimal natural light—the architects introduced a central void to serve as a and lightwell for the new spaces that ultimately influenced the planning.
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Across three levels—basement, ground floor and terrace—each apartment fits snugly like Tetris pieces to ensure there is a shared quantity of natural light to grace the spaces. All three are accessed via the ground floor, with unit one occupying the majority of the basement in a horseshoe-like plan, the second and third begin on the ground floor in a rectangular and L-shaped floor plan respectively. Despite the first apartment dominating the basement, the architects designed a small office located on the terrace level accessible via a private staircase. The second and third apartments are removed from having direct access to the basement courtyard—instead, they are given their own garden on the terrace level.
The niche arrangement purposefully avoids an outcome of vertical density, while simultaneously preventing any privacy obstructions while still enjoying access to natural lighting. Each apartments’ windows are directed to a different view—towards the street or towards planter boxes that also serve as aesthetic screens. For the second and third units that require more natural lighting, high windows are used instead, avoiding any direct visual contact with the central courtyard.
Internally, saved for the existing white concrete columns, it’s hard to believe the space was a former metal factory given the choc-mint ice cream colour scheme which sweetly embraces the space. Raw materials of concrete floors, staircases, and custom-designed terrazzo by Huguet Mallorca found in joinery accents give weight to the interior, balanced out by reassuring sage green accent blocks. To match the oak window frames, plywood is used for bespoke joinery, bringing a quality of lightness.
Through thoughtful arrangement and site considerations, YUA Studio’s workshop transformation is equally refreshing and alluring. It’s a unique transformation that certainly challenges how spaces can be manifested—a private courtyard with homely materials and good lighting?
Yes, please!
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