Atelier Téqui Architectes has convincingly succeeded in building on what already exists and preserving the city's history with the transformation of a former multi-storey car park into a residential building in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The project impressively demonstrates how building in existing buildings can not only conserve resources, but also create identity – as a respectful dialogue between past and future.

Demolition or preservation? When the architectural competition for the former Peugeot car park at Avenue Parmentier 58-60 was announced in 2018, the tendering left both options open. The building was constructed in 1957 by Claude Béraud as a two-story parking garage and gradually increased to five floors in the 1960s. The internal building organization is typical of garage buildings of this period: half-floors are connected to each other via side ramps. The supporting structure consists of internal columns as well as main and secondary girders that support slender concrete ceilings. This construction method allowed for large, column-free areas that could be used flexibly.

The original facade appearance facing Avenue Parmentier was preserved, but the building's shell converted into a functional double-skin facade. Today, the vertical, warm-looking wooden paneling of the modern extensions provides an exciting contrast to the typical street view from the 1960s with its wide, continuous window bands.

The central design idea was the opening and permeability of the formerly closed building. To achieve this, the side ramps were completely dismantled and selected ceiling areas were partially removed. This created spacious courtyards and air spaces that bring light, air and visual connections into the building's interior. Green courtyards and roof gardens not only improve the microclimate, but also contribute to sustainable rainwater management and a high quality of stay.

In three building sections, 63 individual residential units with two to five rooms were created, including two maisonette apartments. Almost all apartments have spacious outdoor areas in the form of Wintergardens, loggias or terraces. Many apartments are plugged through, and on the ground floor, private gardens offer additional retreats.

Visible original supporting structures are a reminder of the history of the place and give the rooms an authentic atmosphere with raw industrial charm.

As transitions into the Wintergardens, project architect Claire de Fraguier deliberately chose bi-foldings because she greatly appreciates their opening principle: ""They enable generous, barrier-free transitions and allow the interior and exterior spaces to blend seamlessly together." A total of 18 bi-foldings of the Woodline system from Solarlux were installed. Each element consists of three segments that open inwards and – depending on the installation situation – can be folded into a narrow package either to the left or right. "The bi-foldings support our architectural concept of openness and permeability," de Fraguier continues. "That's why we campaigned for their use early on." On the subject of sound insulation, she adds: "Thanks to the optimal sound and thermal insulation of the Woodline folding walls, we were also able to ensure the required noise protection in the apartments – a crucial aspect given the location on the busy Avenue Parmentier."

The Woodline series from Solarlux is one of the few Bi-folding door systems made of wood on the market. The slim frame profiles allow plenty of daylight into the apartments even when closed, while the high functionality and comfort meet the requirements of modern living.

With the careful metamorphosis of the existing building, Atelier Téqui Architectes succeeds in creating an outstanding example of sustainable urban renewal in line with the climate plan of the city of Paris. The central design idea was the opening and permeability of the formerly closed building. The combination of resource-saving timber construction and the respectful handling of the historical stock ensures bright, open living spaces with a high level of comfort and generous outdoor connections. The building, which is built from renewable raw materials, impresses with its flexible double-skin façade, which expands the living space, improves the indoor climate and ensures optimal sound insulation. This creates a lively dialogue between the past and the present – a home that creates identity and at the same time meets modern living standards.