The Dareau project, urban multifunctional integration of Le Méridien

The neighborhood

Rue Dareau is located in the Parc-de-Montsouris neighborhood, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. It features diverse buildings, both in appearance and height - moldings, bricks, plaster, continuous balconies.
The project lot is located as an extension of the building Le Méridien at number 20 Rue Dareau. Le Méridien rises 13 floors high and is shaped like a Y. Built by architects Arthur Héaume and Alexandre Persitz in 1968, the attention to detail in this development is still visible in the choice of materials and the green spaces that provide a breath of fresh air to Rue Dareau and Rue Dubois.

The architectural and volumetric vision of the project

The architectural, volumetric, and visual desire for this project is to integrate it into the composition of the neighborhood and, in particular, with Méridien, with a search for continuity and generosity, while maintaining a sober approach.
In the project by the architectural firm Avenier Cornejo, specialized in urban architecture projects, the building fits into the dynamics of the neighborhood and its vegetative composition. The project's realization respects the Méridien model as much as possible, preserving the alignment.
With three orientations to the north/east, east, and south/east, the building on the ground floor extends as an invitation to the intersection between rue Dareau and rue Dubois.
It houses the association "La Sirène de Paris", created in 1874, one of the oldest amateur harmonica orchestras in the capital. The new building is redefined in the basement and partially on the ground floor, to offer a quality cultural space dedicated and adapted to the musical practice of the association.

Functionality and diversity of the project

This project is complemented by a service residence, the Youth Hostel, with 51 studios for young professionals and students, located on the upper floors. Marking the functional difference of the entire project.
Backed against the side wall of Le Méridien, the project spans 3 basement levels and six floors. The ground floor follows the existing dimensions, narrowing at R+1 to free up two isolated terraces with vegetation and a large semi-covered accessible terrace. The upper floors, from R+2 to R+6, develop in continuity and perfect alignment with Le Méridien. Existing views of adjacent buildings are preserved. Green spaces are distributed and controlled on R+1, R+5, R+6, and on the roof.

The importance of cement in the structure

Cement has allowed for exceptional structural results: a load transfer of 6 floors in a 6-meter high concert hall without pillars, an identifiable treatment of the ground floor with bush-hammered concrete, and attenuation around the window level.

Both the facades and walls in cement are structural.
For the envelope, this material has allowed for various treatments on the facade: bush-hammered concrete for the ground floor and smooth concrete for the upper floors.
This project was carried out emphasizing materiality, light, and spaces while considering the difference in program and their use.
The building's skeleton is perceived both inside and outside and transcribes a structural reality. The cement, with its different forms and surfaces, plays with light, seeking an emotion; it makes the facade vibrate and flirts with a structural sensuality.

Its construction is a perfect example of urban integration and great ease of operation and maintenance. Thanks to the joint efforts of the company and the project management, the building integrates seamlessly with Le Méridien.