Description
A contemporary home
This contemporary house was built in 2016 by architecture firm Manh & Nancey in the 11e arrondissement of Paris.
It spans 77 m² (69 m² LC) over 3 levels. The ground floor comprises a living/dining room with kitchen, opening onto a 21 m² terrace. The 1st floor comprises a lounge and a shower room. The mezzanine on the 2nd floor houses a large bedroom. The mezzanine in the English courtyard includes a second bedroom, a bathroom and storage space.
The house belongs to a small condominium located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the 11th arrondissement, in a bohemian neighbourhood with charming artisans, markets and restaurants. Close to Charonne (line 9) and Philippe Auguste (line 2) metro stations, it is a 10-minute walk from Bastille and 15 minutes from Le Marais.
Less is more : Optimum architecture
The architects have endeavoured to optimise the possibilities of a site that is highly constrained in terms of usable surface area. Natural light has been maximised thanks to the large glazed surfaces and the creation of an English courtyard, which also provides good ventilation for the interior spaces. The zinc on the façade is reminiscent of the roofs on the surrounding buildings, helping the project to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape. The contemporary design and materials used (composite wood and concrete) reinforce the homogeneity of this architectural ensemble. The choice of a timber structure and the use of dry construction methods ensured rapid construction and a clean site.
The house could be split into two independent units: mezzanine, ground floor and terrace on one side; 1st floor and mezzanine on the other.
The architects
Manh & Nancey are architects Düng Nguyen Manh and Christian Nancey, both graduates of the Paris-Belleville school of architecture. Since 2008, they have been promoting contextual architecture that is open to the world, responding to commissions from both private individuals and public authorities. In particular, they work on heritage enhancement and space optimisation. Active in France, they are also developing an expertise in architecture in tropical environments, which has led them to work regularly abroad – in Asia, West Africa and the West Indies.
