“Sometimes You See, Sometimes You Don’t.”
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Marais (cour Berard), just behind the iconic Place des Vosges, this site offers a unique opportunity for transformation. The proposed design replaces the outdated 1960s factory with a striking six-story residential building, offering five spacious units and a serene garden at the rear.
This architectural intervention occupies a key position within its urban context, gracefully bridging the gap between two existing structures while enhancing the surrounding environment. The façade unfolds as a layered composition, combining a sleek curtain wall with a robust concrete skin, which together evoke both transparency and permanence.
A defining feature of the building is its entrance: a dynamic opening akin to the lifting of a theatre curtain, inviting visitors into the third dimension. This gesture not only marks the entry point but sets the tone for the building’s exploration of space.
The design palette is simple yet powerful, consisting of two materials—concrete and glass—and two contrasting colors, black and white. These elements create a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic that responds to both the historic and contemporary fabric of the Marais district.
ProgramHousingMaterialWhite Concrete, Black Steel, Tinted GlassLocationCour BerardParis, FranceDate2016 - 2023ClientSci Berard ExchangeArchitectHof Architects, LondonStructural Eng.VP Green, ParisLouis HoeflerFacade Eng.VP Green, ParisJuliette BlouzardServices Eng.Espace Temps, ParisElectrical Eng.Espace Temps, ParisAcousticianAtelier RouchNicolas AlbaricDemolition ContractorBouvelot TPContractorSCPEJousselinTypeCommissionStatusUnder ConstructionSize1050 m2Site 330 m2BudgetConfidentialPhotography© Photograph Juan Jerezexcept colour photograph