Among the buildings composing macro-lot B4, B4A takes on an iconic image, the star shape of which owes everything to its location. Standing at the tip of an acute angle at the intersection of rue Marcel Bontemps and Cours Emile Zola, its volumes focus all of its 95 accommodations around 3 vertical openings. To develop maximum linearity of the façade, the building is hollowed out and turns its façades to the best exposures. This striving for light engenders sculptural shapes where the recessed façade and alignment with the street express a continual organic movement.The wide balconies that ring the building on every floor underscore each floor with a line, like so many piled up layers. These platters rise in stacks to compose a graphic system of undulating lines that amplify its volumes. On a scale with Cours Emile Zola, it looks like an event in the city, also reflecting quality use of the outside spaces for each apartment. The building's exterior skin is composed of fine float-finished plaster. In contrast the façades of the access balconies are clad in wooden panels, thus putting an accent on the domestic nature of their use.
Use The apartments develop in a crown around the vertical openings. Beyond this habitable envelope, the balconies' exterior spaces become genuine extensions to the living quarters. The width of the access passageways make it possible at the very least to bring out tables and chairs. They also link the various dwelling spaces by the outside enabling another possible use. On the uppermost floors broad terraces open onto big split-level apartments with a 180° view of the city. Taking advantage of the double height, these apartments' volumes have been fashioned in a very sculptural manner. Here again, the access passageways make it possible to ring the double-height space by the outside and create terraces on differing levels for the same apartment.
SustainableDevelopment A certified low-energy building, B4A enjoys optimal solar input and increased insulation. Large fixed window frames that limit heat- or coolness-loss open onto the best exposed façades. All apartmentsenjoy double or triple exposure.
