Some cities are known for their colourful architecture. Paris, for example, is distinguished by its light, sandy tones, with facades of limestone or sandstone. This architectural tradition was taken up by Haussmann in the grand boulevards, and Notre-Dame was also built with regional limestone. These elegant beige tones define many streets and entire districts of the city.
Challenging this convention is a bold new project featured in this issue dedicated to building envelopes. The five-storey townhouse by Déchelette Architecture in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, blends seamlessly into the surrounding perimeter block development. However, its facade is composed of large blocks of rammed earth, with the earthy outer layer of the timber structure deliberately exposed. The effect is both archaic and innovative, yet quintessentially Parisian.
While many new residential buildings elsewhere are generic investor projects using cheap materials, the French capital continues to lead with experimental milestones in the use of natural building materials. Many of these innovative projects are social housing initiatives, such as the earthen building featured in this issue.
Our editor Julia Liese has selected this and other projects with standout facades, including brick and timber designs. In our Interiors section, we highlight two innovative office spaces realized within existing buildings. Enjoy the issue!