PUSHED SLAB -

PARIS

The building is located on a former rail embankment of approximately 4.150 m2. The volume follows the site restrictions, a slab shaped volume of 150 m long and 21 m wide. 

An opening in the volume preserves the view of a historic building. To create this urban window and to enhance the urban quality of the neighbourhood, the slab is “pushed” until it breaks, then twisted and pushed to the south. 

This pushing act creates a distortion of the floors, offering multiple terraces which can be directly accessed from the work areas as well as from the external staircases. The urban window offers a large terrace on the second level. 

The building has two faces: a calm side in dialogue with the urban fabric of the north side of Paris, and a more dynamic side facing south, rectangular to the boulevard. 

The building is wrapped in a skin of wood. The windows form a rhythmic ribbon, offering optimal sunning and light control of the inner spaces. The climate is controlled by natural ventilation; 1500m2 solar panels on the roof provide renewable energy and a grey water circuit will be applied. Blinds will be integrated in the south facade and in the cuts. The building will be insulated from the outside in order to reduce thermal bridges. The accumulation of these proven reliable techniques results in a highly efficient low energy building which leads to an energy consumption of 49 kWh per m2 per year. 

Photo credits: Philippe Ruault