Rue des Deux Boules, rue Jean Lantier

Beneath the paving stones there is sand. And behind an ugly façade dating back to the 1970s were magnificient ionic pilasters framing windows of impressive size: such was the wonderful discovery made by AIM Hanemian Architects during the renovation of 45 apartments located in Paris.

Credit for this discovery goes to the REA historians Pascal Simonetti et Valérie-Noëlle Jouffre and the perseverance ot the owner Redevco and the Agency’s architects. All that remained, relying on the sensitivity of the architect, and not of the computer, was to recreate the general atmosphere of these 17th and 18th century blocks, with their listed buildings’ façades abutting the rue de Rivoli.

High quality council apartments have been renovated. Certain of the former residents were astonished by the standard of the fittings and finish and, with a re-design of the rooms and spaces, have been pleased to rediscover the atmosphere of the former apartments they once inhabited despite their dilapidated condition.

The commercial premises and entrances have been kept at ground level to enable the returning residents to still feel at home.

A sculptor’s studio, located on the ground floor, has been completely renovated and made secure: the artist can thus continue to burn his steel plates and create his works. Under the guidance of historians, the workshop has had a new showcase window designed to harmonize with the spirit of the buildings. On the same façade the ground floor windows have been enlarged in keeping with the elegance of those of the floors above.