Paris-based architecture practice Forme Architecture + Urbanisme has converted a 18th-century horticultural greenhouse into a hospitality room within the Paris 7th arrondissement conservation area in France.

The 100-square-metre space, located in the private garden of the Clinique Saint Jean de Dieu, within the conservation area, has emerged as a heritage rehabilitation project of a listed former horticultural greenhouse and its conversion into a hospitality room.

The space is located within the private garden of the Clinique Saint Jean de Dieu, the greenhouse enjoys a privileged landscaped environment appreciated by its users. 

It was originally built in the 18th century to cultivate medicinal plants and it remained in use until the end of the 20th century before gradually being abandoned. 

The Saint Jean de Dieu Foundation commissioned the studio to convert the building into a good use because of the lack of space within the clinic.

The site is protected by the Plan de Sauvegarde et de Mise en Valeur (PSMV) which controls development on the site, this existing vacant building provided an opportunity. 

"In this context, the foundation decided to convert the greenhouse into a hospitality room to accommodate different activities for the clinic staff and patients," said Forme Architecture + Urbanisme. 

According to the studio, the challenge was to convert the building for new uses all year round, respecting the constraints imposed by the PSMV to protect and enhance the listed building. 

The architects discreetly restored the outside of the building, while the conversion is more apparent inside. The interior has been fitted out and the ground floor lowered. 

Inspired by the existing layout, the interior revolves around a peripheral bench which accommodates the technical services and opens up the central space for multiple uses. 

A heritage rehabilitation that intrinsically modifies the building while preserving and enhancing its history and architecture.

The architects mostly used wood construction and implemented the reuse of bricks. Wood, brick, glass and terrazzo are common materials seen throughout the building.

Before the rehabilitation works. Image © Forme Architecture + Urbanisme

Site plan

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Project facts

Location: Saint Jean de Dieu Clinic, Paris 7th
Client: Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu
Project manager: FORME
Type of project: Heritage rehabilitation
Program: Hospitality room for art education, conferences, etc. 

Area: Existing: 100 m2

Budget: €750,000 excluding tax
Timing: Delivery: September 2021
Label: Wood construction - Reuse of bricks
Structure: Brick plinth, wooden canopy
Materials: Wood, brick, glass, terrazzo
BET HVAC: Choulet Structural design office: Betem
Project leaders: Clément Maitre, Robinson Neuville and Emma Costantini 

All images © Giaime Meloni unless otherwise stated.

All drawings © Forme Architecture + Urbanisme

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