Panache The challenge in this project was its height and the desire to go further in experimenting with energy performance while offering occupants an outdoor surface area. The question thermal bridges excluding from the outset a balcony solution, what could be done to ensure occupants would have a rapport with the exterior, for which they had legitimate expectations in an apartment in this city of such extremes of temperature in winter and summer? An additional objective, how could the distinction between noble floors versus inferior floors be achieved?
© Sergio Grazia and Luc Boegly
Separating the “balcony” function from the “dwelling” function seemed like an imperative, along with the stacking of the terraces on several levels on the roof, forming a sort of “green cloud”. Furthermore, these 35-m² spaces add another area in full sunlight, reached by elevator,
© Sergio Grazia and Luc Boegly
equipped with a summer kitchen and sanitary facilities allowing for a certain level of autonomy in relation to the main part of the apartment. When the heat of the summer becomes stifling, these balconies will enable occupants to breathe and dialog as equals with the Belledonne mountain chain. The green cloud is thus a new outdoor and quite out of the ordinary space that will be sold as an independent lot as a sort of second home. Below, each apartment has a double orientation, with living rooms positioned at the corners with broad floor to ceiling windows.
Project Info
Architects: Maison Edouard François
Country: France, Grenoble
Area: 4731 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Sergio Grazia and Luc Boegly
Architect Of Local Operations: Aktis
Engineering, Utilities And Environment: Nicolas
Terraces Structure: Verdier
Economics: Editec
Inspection Office, Health And Safety: Socotec
Structure: CTG
Geotechnics: Kaema
Roads and Utility Services/External Works: Sintegra
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.