In November 2024, Maud Caubet Architectes unveiled the Racine project in Paris‘s 12th arrondissement, a dramatic metamorphosis of the former Office National des Forêts (ONF) headquarters. This 35-meter-high Brutalist tower, a relic of 1970s architecture, has been meticulously renovated and crowned with striking extensions, breathing new life into the heart of a residential neighborhood. The project, commissioned by Alderan (SCI EWOK), involved transforming the 6,081-square-meter building into the new home for OPCO EP, a semi-public vocational training organization.
The tower, positioned at the heart of the site, serves as a striking reminder of a time when urban development was predominantly characterized by slab construction and artificially modified ground levels. The reclamation of fertile soil emerged as a crucial constraint for the project, shaping its overall design and execution. In this framework, the originally planned graduated garden has been creatively reimagined as a series of terraced landings, enhancing the visual and functional appeal of the space.
The extensions of the tower gracefully ascend from the basement to the first floor, embodying a naturalistic design philosophy that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. A significant feature of the project is the expansive 175 m² productive green roof, which facilitates the renaturation of the entire site, counterbalancing the increased density introduced by the development. This thoughtful architectural choice has transformed two of the five underground parking levels into vibrant living spaces that are flooded with natural light.
Moreover, the design incorporates a spacious, 12-meter-deep curved patio that redefines the relationship between the new interiors and the terraced garden. This patio not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the project but also fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The innovative use of the parking ramp’s volume has resulted in the creation of a unique area that provides direct access to this new patio, further enriching the spatial experience.
The contemporary extension of the building wraps around the structure, carefully navigating around the majestic trees of the garden. This design choice echoes the original architecture’s curves while addressing the challenge of maintaining the building’s distinctive silhouette. The adaptability of the structure has been a key consideration, allowing for easy modifications in purpose—whether for offices, housing, or various activities—through a design that anticipates and minimizes future scaling and costs.
The reimagined tower is inherently versatile, designed to accommodate a range of uses. Its repetitive grid of slab posts and the strategic arrangement of vertical circulation elements ensure that the building can be easily repurposed. This flexibility means that the tower can host hotel services, student housing, or co-living spaces, alongside the service and sports facilities integrated into the site, making it a dynamic addition to the urban landscape.
Double-height extensions and a bioclimatic greenhouse significantly expand the functional possibilities of the tower. This innovative design allows the structure to be fully utilized, providing spaces for living, working, studying, leisure activities, gardening, nurturing relationships, and aging—all within the same environment. The transformation of the former attic on the 10th floor into a timber-framed greenhouse seamlessly integrates this natural element into the building’s architecture.
Reaching towards the sky, this glass crown serves as a hub for educational urban agriculture and features a café, both of which are accessible to all users of the building. This newly created space, characterized by its tree-lined, transparent, and luminous qualities, offers residents a breathtaking view of Paris. At night, it transforms into a striking lantern, illuminating the local community and enhancing the urban landscape.
Founded in 2006, Maud Caubet Architectes employs around twenty professionals dedicated to tackling a diverse array of architectural challenges. The agency specializes in both construction and renovation projects, focusing on mixed-use developments that encompass housing, offices, hotels, and public facilities. Their work spans various settings, from bustling urban centers to serene rural landscapes.
Maud Caubet’s architectural philosophy emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the environment and its inhabitants. With a strong track record in revitalizing existing structures, the agency engages in meaningful dialogue with the built environment, whether through preservation or transformation, to infuse new life into spaces and foster community connections.