BLACKENED FRAME

Project idea

Following a site analysis, several key observations emerged.
In a visually diverse urban context—characterized by a mix of roof shapes, irregular alignments, and disjointed street grids—it seemed essential to propose a simple, clear, and legible architectural form. This formal simplicity acts as a landmark in the cityscape. The building’s shape directly come from the original concept: to offer people the opportunity to freely cross the plot through a lush, tree-lined courtyard garden.

The original plot, being very narrow, significantly limited the possibilities for implantation. To free up space and enhance the project’s potential, I decided to expand the building’s footprint and incorporate the adjacent green heart of the block, transforming it into a courtyard-garden accessible directly from the street.

Project description

The interior organization is based on a clear principle: a central technical core around which circulation flow. On the street side, two sculptural staircases animate the central void created by the gallery in the upper floors. On the garden side, a series of gently sloping ramps ensure optimal accessibility for people with reduced mobility while creating an active, continuous path through the building.

The ground floor includes a café that opens onto the garden, a public reception area, and a greenhouse visible from the street, reinforcing the transparency and openness of the project. On the first floor, a public space extends the café, with the possibility of being privatized for events. This flexible space opens widely onto the garden, providing an inspiring setting. A small auditorium complements this level, with climbing plants from the greenhouse and the nearby church providing a green and contemplative backdrop—a true dialogue between nature, culture, and the urban landscape.

On the second floor, a flexible open space accommodates a variety of uses, including a semi-level children’s area that makes use of the auditorium’s ceiling volume. A large terrace, shaded by climbing vegetation, offers a setting for outdoor events, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature.

Technical information

The entire project is designed with attention to ecology and resource management. An open-air rainwater retention basin integrated into the courtyard collects and regulates runoff. Its water level varies with the seasons, offering a dynamic landscape element and a quiet place to sit and observe the church in the distance.

The roof is conceived as a "blank page"—white for now to maximize heat reflection, but structurally prepared to be planted in the future. It will host a micro-ecosystem in continuity with the garden below.

Inside, wood brings warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere. On the façade, charred wood cladding lends the building a strong visual identity. This technique, where the wood is blackened by flame, creates a natural protective carbon layer, ensuring durability and low maintenance. Climbing vegetation wraps the façade, allowing the building to become both a support and a frame for living nature.

Documentation

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