Studio Vincent Eschalier has successfully completed the comprehensive renovation of a historic 17th-century building located near the iconic Grand Rex theater in Paris, transforming it into the new headquarters for consulting firm SIA Partners. The ambitious renovation project encompasses 3,000 square meters of space spread across five floors and a basement level, breathing new life into a centuries-old structure while preserving its architectural heritage.
The renovation carefully balances historical preservation with modern functionality. On the street-facing side, the original facades have been meticulously restored to maintain harmony with the character of the Grands Boulevards district. The ground-level commercial space has been completely redefined, featuring striking new dark granite cladding that creates a contemporary entrance while respecting the building's historic context.
Inside the building, the architects opened up the layout to create flexible work environments that meet the needs of a modern consulting firm. The design approach emphasizes raw industrial aesthetics, with exposed technical elements on the ceiling painted white to minimize visual contrast. Many interior walls have been deliberately left unfinished, revealing the building's original texture and construction traces that tell the story of its long history.
The building's complex architectural history presented unique challenges for the renovation team. Originally constructed as a private residence, the structure had undergone numerous modifications over the centuries, resulting in a patchwork of added wings, altered floor heights, and glass canopy insertions. These accumulated changes had left the building in a fragmented state, though many valuable architectural elements remained worth preserving.
The Paris-based architects approached this challenge by working with the existing layers of history rather than against them. They systematically reorganized the interior spaces while carefully restoring significant historic features, introducing a more unified spatial and material logic throughout the building. This approach allowed them to create coherent work environments while honoring the building's architectural evolution.
Furnishings throughout the space were carefully coordinated by Maison Vincent Eschalier, featuring light wood desks with linen rubber surfaces that complement the industrial aesthetic. The furniture selection includes pieces from both independent designers and established design studios, showcasing works by Axel Chay, Margaux Keller, and Duplex Studio, as well as pieces from renowned manufacturers like Silvera and Petite Friture.
To soften the raw industrial surfaces, built-in cabinets and strategically placed plants throughout the workspace introduce warmer tones and create a more domestic, welcoming atmosphere. This careful balance between industrial and domestic elements helps create a comfortable working environment that doesn't sacrifice the building's authentic character.
Distinct materials have been used to define different functional areas within the building, creating a clear wayfinding system through material choice. Terracotta tiles line the restroom areas, while circulation zones are marked by mineral finishes that guide movement through the space. The central atrium, once a formal courtyard, has been paved with irregular opus incertum stone, creating a striking focal point that connects the building's various levels.
The former courtyard, now enclosed with a glass roof, serves as the building's central gathering space and heart of the workplace community. This transformation from an outdoor courtyard to an enclosed atrium demonstrates the architects' skill in adapting historic spaces for contemporary use while maintaining their essential character and function as social spaces.
The renovation also made creative use of previously underutilized areas. The rooftop of the rear structure, which had been largely ignored in previous configurations, has been converted into a planted terrace that provides staff with outdoor access and green space in the heart of Paris. This addition not only increases the usable space but also contributes to employee well-being and environmental sustainability.
The completed project stands as a testament to thoughtful adaptive reuse, demonstrating how historic buildings can be successfully transformed to meet contemporary workplace needs while preserving their architectural integrity. Studio Vincent Eschalier's renovation of this 17th-century Parisian building creates a workspace that honors the past while embracing the future of modern office design.
