Virtuose / PDA Architecture

Architects: PDA Architecture
Area: 6,548 m²
Year: 2025
Photography: Florian Wattier
Client: Pimco Prime Real Estate & ALAMO
General Contractor: Dumez
Project Management: PDA, ARTQAD, EPPY, Ouest Structures, Baraum, Greenaffaire, Cinea, Groupe Qualiconsult, BTP Consultants, CSD & Associés, N’CO Conseil, Vega, JLL, MBA City, Stonal
Sustainable Design: BREEAM, SmartScore Gold, CRREM, BBCA
City: Paris
Country: France

Virtuose, a full renovation of a 1901 Haussmannian building in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, was designed by PDA Architecture to restore the building’s architectural unity while adapting it for modern office use. The project incorporates sustainable design features, including a bioclimatic canopy and a vegetated courtyard, while maintaining flexibility for future needs. Key elements include a multipurpose basement space, a naturally lit top floor, and carefully reworked circulation spaces. The renovation was completed in 2025, balancing heritage preservation with modern requirements.

Virtuose is the extensive renovation of a 1901 Haussmannian building in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. Originally built as a residential structure, the building has undergone multiple transformations over the years for office use, gradually losing its architectural integrity. The goal of the renovation was to restore its spatial unity and quality while adapting it for modern office requirements.

The project, designed by PDA Architecture, was grounded in a deep understanding of the building’s history. Through careful study of archival plans, old building permits, photographs, and structural surveys, the architects were able to reconstruct the building’s past and differentiate between the elements to preserve and those that needed to be reimagined for contemporary use. This research allowed the team to maintain the building’s historical essence while meeting the demands of modern functionality.

Instead of demolishing the structure, the decision to renovate was a conscious effort to conserve resources and reduce the carbon footprint. This approach allowed the team to extend the life of the building while preserving its cultural and architectural significance. The building’s technical systems were entirely modernized, including HVAC, power, data, and ventilation, ensuring it meets current standards for office environments.

The building’s vertical circulation was reconfigured to align with the original structural grid, preserving its integrity while enhancing functionality. The entrance hall was redesigned to reflect the building’s identity, providing a clear connection between the street, ground floor, and basement levels.

Flexibility in interior spaces was a primary focus of the renovation. The floor layouts were reworked to offer versatile configurations, with partitionable zones for privacy and open-plan areas for collaboration. The design also includes informal spaces, allowing for a variety of work modes. The transformation of the basement into a bright, multipurpose agora, with a glass roof that brings in natural light, is one of the project’s standout features. This space now serves as an area for events, coworking, or casual gatherings.

On the top floor, new roof openings and expanded floor space allow for abundant natural light, creating an open, dynamic atmosphere. The building’s circulation spaces were thoughtfully designed using materials like wood, indirect lighting, and acoustic textures to guide movement and improve the overall user experience.

Sustainability was a key element in the renovation, with the vegetated courtyard playing a central role in regulating the building’s temperature. A bioclimatic canopy provides additional environmental benefits by moderating sunlight and temperature. Each floor offers outdoor spaces, such as balconies, terraces, and rooftop gardens, enhancing the connection to nature and offering much-needed respite.

The completed Virtuose is a prime example of how heritage buildings can be successfully adapted for modern use. The renovation has ensured that the building retains its architectural heritage while being fully equipped to meet the needs of contemporary urban life. Through a balance of preservation and innovation, Virtuose is poised to remain relevant and functional for many years to come.