Hôtel de Coulange in Paris IV
Restructuring of a 17th-century town house, creation of a hotel and shops
CLIENT
AXK (© Pierre Audat & Associés) / BET Cotec / Le Sommer Environnement
Photography © Peter O’Brien
The Hôtel de Coulanges is part of the innovative urban projects call “Reinventing Paris,” with the ambition of breathing new life into this historic site by harmoniously reintegrating it into the urban fabric. The challenge was to reinterpret the word “reinvent” in all its dimensions, combining heritage and modernity while addressing the city’s contemporary challenges.
Located in the heart of the Marais, the Hôtel de Coulanges benefits from an exceptional context and potential. However, it has long remained closed in on itself, isolated from any urban continuity. The project aims to reverse this dynamic by opening the building to the public space, allowing visitors to discover its treasures. The main challenge lies in creating new interactions between the hotel and its immediate environment while preserving its historical identity.
With meticulous respect for the original structure, the transformations focus on neglected areas of low heritage value, such as the cellars, roofs, and gables. These elements become the focal points of a subtle volumetric work, aiming to highlight the central body of the hotel and optimize its visibility from the street.
The architectural approach embraces a contemporary style that enhances the existing structure without distorting it. A striking example of this alliance between tradition and innovation lies in the recessed facades, equipped with innovative solar sensors. These surfaces, reminiscent of the elegance of a reimagined stained glass window, combine environmental performance with aesthetic refinement. In this way, the Hôtel de Coulanges preserves its soul while meeting the demands of a sustainable and modern city.
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