Architects: Studio Vincent Eschalier
Area: 3000 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Axel Dahl
City: Paris
Country: France
The Servan Workspace Project by Studio Vincent Eschalier revitalizes a historic complex at 49 rue Servan in Paris’s 11th district. Originally built in the 1850s by the Gaveau piano factory and later used by Legrand shoe manufacturers, the site now features 3,440 sq. m. of workspace and 445 sq. m. of green outdoor space. A new construction on Rue Servan showcases an industrial-style facade with black metal joinery, a light stone base, and exposed wood, while the refurbished interior buildings include light-filled spaces with exposed materials. Highlights include a tree-lined courtyard, pavilion roof, green roofs, and two glass-roofed spaces—a 100-seat agora and a light-filled showroom. Designed for user well-being, the project maximizes natural light and greenery while emphasizing sustainability through geothermal energy, material reuse, and biodiversity-friendly green spaces. Studio Vincent Eschalier’s design integrates raw materials, blending tradition with modern innovation and meticulous detailing.
Located at 49 rue Servan in Paris’s 11th district, Studio Vincent Eschalier has transformed a complex of four buildings through a transparent and contemporary design approach. The project emphasizes the preservation of the buildings’ historical character while integrating modern features such as expansive floor plates, multiple living areas, and green outdoor spaces. The building, nestled between the vibrant neighborhoods of Saint-Ambroise and La Roquette, stands on a street steeped in eclectic architecture and industrial heritage. Originally constructed in the 1850s by the renowned Gaveau piano factory, it was later repurposed by the Legrand shoe manufacturers. Today, the site consists of four interconnected buildings that provide 3,440 square meters of workspace and 445 square meters of green outdoor space. The roof terrace has been redesigned as a functional living and working area, while a glass-roofed agora, illuminated by zenithal light, offers seating for one hundred people. The project was commissioned by OSESAM.
Light and Greenery for User Well-Being – Studio Vincent Eschalier emphasizes the integration of natural light, greenery, and historical preservation in the redesign of the workspace complex. The project focuses on finding the right geometries and perspectives by highlighting the site’s unique history and leveraging its architectural strengths. Transparency from east to west defines the design approach, with the first building—a newly constructed structure—overlooking Rue Servan. Its industrial-style facade features black metal joinery and a base of light-colored Paris Basin stone, softened by an exposed wooden structure visible from the street. The building benefits from ample natural light and is topped by a non-accessible green roof, which contributes to lowering the site’s carbon footprint. The three refurbished interior buildings adopt a more intimate design, accessed through a tree-lined courtyard. Their interiors have been reimagined with light-colored mineral materials to enhance natural illumination and highlight the cross-lighting qualities of the spaces, while structural and technical elements are left exposed. One of the buildings features a pavilion roof that serves as an open-air meeting area. This circulation flow, designed as both workspace and living space, incorporates wood and green plant installations to promote a sense of well-being. Two distinct glass roofs establish visual connectivity across the complex. The first glass roof, known for its striking geometry, houses the agora, while the second connects the final buildings and leads to a bright, light-filled showroom. Studio Vincent Eschalier’s design creates a seamless visitor experience by layering various spatial moments, including the spaces beneath the glass roofs, the agora, Building A’s transparency, the pavilion, and the area under the roof structure on the fourth floor. Each space offers a distinct spatial identity while remaining unified through a consistent use of raw, existing materials such as exposed concrete, wood, and steel.
Sustainable Rewriting – The project respects and maximizes existing volumes while emphasizing sustainability. It promotes the dry wood-metal process and prioritizes on-site material reuse to minimize carbon emissions. Designed with energy efficiency in focus, the project incorporates geothermal energy, external insulation, new joinery, and hydro-economy equipment. The integration of green surfaces and open ground contributes to heat regulation and supports local biodiversity. Balancing tradition with innovation, Studio Vincent Eschalier creates impactful spaces characterized by raw expression and meticulous attention to detail. Established in Paris in 2009, the studio is recognized for its bold and complex designs. Its multi-disciplinary team combines high standards with the ambition to craft timeless works. From private jet interiors to contemporary apartments, tailored workspaces, and even recycled aluminum door handles, the studio’s work spans multiple disciplines, with a core focus on architecture, interior architecture, and design.
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Project Location
Address: Paris, Île-de-France, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
