Residential and Office Building in Bordeaux
- Jakob Schoof
The upgrading of historical structures often resembles a puzzle where newer, more stable elements have to be integrated inconspicuously into the existing fabric. This goal has been achieved in exemplary form in the present scheme, where the architects have converted a former metalworking shop in the centre of Bordeaux to a residential and office development. The two-storey structure was originally created in the 19th century as an agricultural building of a nearby monastery. Even today, faded lettering on the limestone facade attests to its previous use as a workshop. The latest conversion envisaged a three-part spatial programme: on the ground floor, the architects' office; on the upper floor, a dwelling; and in the vaulted cellar, an art gallery. To all three storeys there is separate access from a vestibule, which is divided from the street by steel gratings. At the same time, the three levels are linked by a transverse steel staircase in the rear part of the building.
