Au Bon Coin

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

Au Bon Coin

Ramdam Architectes

ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
Bureau Thermidor, Ictec

COST
400000 € Ht

PHOTOGRAPHS
Michèle Constantini

AREA
201 m²

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Saint-denis , France

CATEGORY
Social Housing , Extension

Text description provided by architect.

In 2011, RAMDAM was approached by SCI «Au Bon Coin» for the redevelopment of a small occupied building, situated on the banks of the Saint-Denis canal.

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

This early 20th century building, an emblematic canal-side structure, used to be home to the lockkeepers’ café, Au Bon Coin, famed for featuring in a Robert Doisneau photograph.

Intended for social housing, the renovation project includes a contemporary timber frame extension added to the back of the existing building.

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

The extension stands out for all to see, with a new profile that sets the tone for future changes to the rest of the block.

The two buildings are complementary, introducing a new iconography in the local environment.

The gable end, which used to be blind, is now dotted with windows, inserted randomly to underline the reversal towards the formerly industrial canal.

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

In order to save resources and materials, priority was given to reusing the existing materials, deconstructing only as needed. Against the existing, restored brickwork, the new expansion contrasts with a contemporary feel.

Built entirely on a wooden framework, the chosen construction method offers numerous advantages: less waste and pollution by means of pre- fabrication, a dry site, without processing and environmentally friendly.

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

The project provided an opportunity to reflect on the materials used, their processing techniques, their source, their implementation, their sustainability and their possible reuse.

This life-cycle assessment (LCA) has helped with decisions, both with the upgrading of the existing building and with the development of the new building.

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini

This project has been a laboratory which has allowed architects to experience a job which positions the act of building within a dynamic process in which the life of the building begins well before its completion.

Throughout the summer period, the site was opened up to local residents and the cafe was brought back to life under the name «Coin des Reves».

Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini


Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini


Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini
Au Bon Coin
© Michèle Constantini


Au Bon Coin
East Elevation
Au Bon Coin
West Elevation


Au Bon Coin
Ground Floor plan
Au Bon Coin
Second Floor Plan


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Section
Au Bon Coin
Section


Au Bon Coin
Detail 

Au Bon Coin
Diagram