Mehul mixed-use block, Pantin

At the crossroads of Rue Gambetta and Rue Paul Bert, the winning mixed-use project on Block 6 respects the cultural heritage and diversity of the Méhul area. The urban fabric is characterized by the close interweaving of residential and industrial activity. The relationship between new building and renovation/ conversion participates in achieving the desired balance, particularly with the preservation of two warehouse buildings with saw-tooth roofs, one metal and the other concrete. The density of the project is concentrated on the north side of the site with residential and office buildings along Rue Paul Bert, which are G+3/4 + a roof-top storey. To the south, the low, G+1 nursery school and crafts buildings are in keeping with the existing industrial fabric. This arrangement of heights ensures optimum sunlight for the buildings and garden. All the buildings use brick, which marked the industrial history of the Pantin area. The small nursery building has timber-frame walls. Its ground-floor is clad in brick for durability and harmony within the block.