Let's meet in the middle

Hauts-de-Seine, France

At home

Reed green Hopper picnic table on a rooftop terrace beside a pale brick extension, where one person sits working under a white parasol with treetop views beyond the railing.

In the Parisian suburbs of Hauts-De-Seine, the architects at HEMAA preserved exactly half of a building to contrast it with a new extension. The result is a unique balance between old and new, blending beautiful natural stone with soft beige earthen bricks. The two halves are connected by a glass entrance hall with a skylight and a stunning rooftop terrace where the Hopper adds a warm green touch.

Where old meets new

An analysis of the existing house revealed that it had undergone several transformations over the years, compromising its stability. However, the half with the natural stone facade remained solid, leading to the decision to split the structure in two, along the load-bearing wall in the center.

Where old and new meet, a glass cut-out in the facade forms the entrance. This neutral section allows both distinct parts of the building to stand out. The division is also evident from the garden, where the design opens up space for the rooftop terrace overlooking the greenery.

Rear view of the renovated house at dusk, showing the contrast between the old natural-stone volume and the new pale brick extension, with a rooftop terrace above a lush garden.

Hopper in Reed green

The Hopper picnic table blends perfectly into the soft beige surroundings with its natural reed green powder coating. The use of natural materials, such as the decking and oak windows, further enhances the harmonious result. Dining at this Hopper becomes a moment of tranquility in a serene, sheltered environment, while the authenticity of Paris is never far away.

Reed green Hopper picnic table on a wooden rooftop deck between a pale brick façade and the preserved natural-stone house, linked by a glass entrance volume.
Reed green Hopper table on the rooftop terrace at twilight, set beside grasses and white railings between the new brick extension and the original stone house.

© Pictures by Sergio Grazia Photographe
Architect: HEMAA architectes

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