Martel House

This house designed by PPA architectures in the skin of a former foundry in Toulouse blends into its environment and it reveals itself from the inside, with its simple expression and its well-organized spaces, based on the personality of its occupants.

The plot is located in the old popular neighbourhood of Amidonniers, between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. This parcel of land is mainly occupied by a shed, the last element of a former foundry now converted into houses.

The shed is a mixture of masonry columns and a workshop like facade facing the street, both of which combine to support a sloping steel roof framework. The industrial building is much damaged. It reflects the history of the site, has a peculiar ambiance, and constitutes a vast void space offering interesting potential.

The family consists of three characters with strong personalities. The expectations of each were clearly stated at the beginning of the work programme. The family integrated very well with the need to commit strongly to the project and actively took part in the conception process. The precision and exigency involved in researching a specific functionality gave rise to a brief that enhanced exchanges and discussions.

The architects completed a “custom-made” project which translates the personalities of the residents and maximizes the potential of the site: a “house-tool” dedicated to the functioning and quality of life, with no formal a priori. The interactive work when planning the project incorporating the needs and desires of the client body allowed a hierarchizing of priorities: a living space that accommodates residents while preserving their independence; multiple and various personal spaces and common spaces; specific spaces and adjustable spaces allowing undefined usages; a peaceful yet active home to receive grownup children and host friends.

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