The Dupleix Residence in Paris

Surface expansion, joinery prototypes, extension and dry assembly: the renovation of the Dupleix building in Paris, and in particular the change of facades on occupied site, highlights the expertise and adaptability of Norba Menuiserie, specialist in construction site joinery.

The rehabilitation of the Dupleix residence, designed by the architect Lenne-Haziza, has just been recognized as part of the AMO (Architecture and Project Managers) Prize.

A surprising facelift

Part renovation, part creation, this project involved the complete modernization of the tower while preserving its authenticity. Located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, the Dupleix residence houses high-ranking military personnel. These two 60s buildings, each comprising 44 apartments, are owned by the SNI Ile-de-France.

It was on her initiative, in collaboration with architect Michelle Lenne-Haziza, that the site's transformation was carried out. A stunning facelift with three objectives: to enhance the complex within its urban environment while taking into account the requirements of sustainable development, to gain space, and to improve the thermal comfort of the homes.

The project presented a major challenge: keeping residents in the building during the renovations . In this context, one particular construction project took on a unique dimension: replacing the facades while the building remained occupied. This presented a significant technical challenge for Norba Menuiserie, the company in charge of the work.

Eloquent figures

The figures show the extent of the carpentry work to be undertaken:

• 34 windows, 34 French doors, and 213 lift-and-slide doors, all in rusticated wood;
• 259 motorized Oregon pine wooden roller shutters;
• 600m² of ipe decking boards clipped onto joists, medium-density fiberboard panels and varnished oak parquet flooring.

The architectural project guided the technical program.

Technical challenges

The main difficulty was removing the old facades and installing the new ones in the same day.

The projection of the joinery units onto the balconies differs depending on whether one is on the north side for the bedrooms or on the south side for the living rooms and kitchens.

The wood or wood-based framing creates a sense of distance and depth between the home and the outdoors. The parquet flooring of this frame, which forms a threshold at the bottom of the sliding doors, is extended by a wooden grating on the living room balconies, which appears to enlarge them when the doors are open. When they are closed, the living rooms gain a coping where plants can be found.

On the north facade, the accommodation is enlarged at the expense of the balcony, the width of which is reduced to 60 cm for technical passage.
 

From 3D models to prototypes

On this construction site in an occupied area, Norba Menuiserie innovated by creating 3D models to illustrate the technical solutions chosen , and by building prototypes of joinery and shutters presented to the residents of the housing.

Developed in the workshop and then on-site, they allowed Norba Menuiserie to specify the method of carrying out the work. The extended party walls consist of insulating complexes made of wood or derivatives, machined and calibrated for light handling and efficient and rapid assembly. As for the wooden shutter boxes, they are now made of aluminum, making them easier to handle and for subsequent intervention.

Furthermore, the constraints of renovating the site while it was occupied required the installation of an external elevator to facilitate the transport of parts. Upstream, the project involved a campaign of extremely precise measurement surveys as well as easy identification of the joinery to facilitate the installer's work.

Method, organization, and planning were crucial to the successful completion of this 11-month project. An operation whose exemplary nature is now recognized by the Architecture and Project Managers Award.