Deuil la Barre | 2022, Antoine Morizot, France

Architects: A+A architectes
Lead Architect: Maxime Meunier
Associate Architect: Antoine Morizot
General Contractor: Separate Lots
Client: Ville Deuil-la-Barre
Photographer: Antoine Morizot

Transforming a small, outdated office block into a police station has been an exhilarating challenge. By refurbishing the existing structure instead of demolishing and rebuilding, we achieved a significant carbon footprint reduction, making this a notably eco-friendly endeavor.

We undertook an extensive process of stripping and assessment to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. This approach allowed us to completely transform the façade while adhering to the budget, as we deemed it essential to present the city’s residents with a facility that looks brand new.

The façade has been entirely clad with an attractive metallic skin featuring white fins. Two overhangs adorned with blue, white, and red fins mark the entrances, symbolizing the building’s new role.

The police officers’ offices and locker rooms are situated across the three fully renovated levels.

At the rear, a modest extension houses a heat pump that provides heating in winter and cooling in summer, along with a kennel and a two-wheeler parking area.