A groundbreaking residential facility in the heart of Paris has opened its doors to provide temporary housing for women who have experienced violence. The project, called "Un Toit" (meaning "A Roof"), was designed by Atelier du Pont and represents a collaborative effort between the Vilogia Group and two nonprofit organizations: FIT "Une Femme, Un Toit" (One Woman, One Roof) and Aurore. This innovative facility offers 81 compact yet carefully equipped studio apartments, serving as a crucial transitional step in helping women survivors regain their dignity and safety before beginning new chapters in their lives.
The architectural design presents a contemporary and sustainable structure that incorporates the distinctive elements of high-quality Parisian architecture, deliberately chosen to symbolize stability and permanence. Lead architects Anne-Cécile Comar and Philippe Croisier from Atelier du Pont employed noble materials and a sensitive approach to construction, conveying a clear intention to offer simple yet dignified housing that stands in stark contrast to the urgency and precariousness previously experienced by these women residents.
The construction project posed extraordinary technical challenges due to the narrow streets and limited load-bearing capacity of the access routes surrounding the site. These constraints prohibited any equipment weighing over 3.5 tons from reaching the construction area, including traditional construction cranes. This limitation required ingenious engineering solutions that transformed the entire building process into an innovative logistical operation.
To overcome these constraints, the construction team implemented several creative solutions. They established an off-site unloading platform to handle heavy materials, transported construction materials through underground networks and conveyor belt systems, and delivered construction equipment in kit form that was then reassembled directly on site. Most remarkably, the entire building was constructed without the use of a single crane, a feat that required careful planning and innovative construction techniques.
Due to the complete absence of crane access and the strict 3.5-ton weight limit, the architects chose to construct the building using concrete and formwork blocks. The exterior facade features solid brick veneer applied over insulated walls, creating both an aesthetically pleasing appearance and excellent thermal performance. This material choice not only addressed the logistical constraints but also ensured the building would blend harmoniously with the surrounding Parisian architectural landscape.
The residence was thoughtfully designed as a welcoming and secure refuge, with particular attention paid to the psychological needs of its residents. Visitors and residents enter through a wide entrance porch that provides a smooth, non-threatening transition between the outside world and the private residential space. This open and cross-ventilated passage leads directly to the entrance hall and the central garden, around which all common living spaces are strategically arranged in a landscaped and sunlit environment.
Continuing the emphasis on natural light and pleasant atmospheres, the upper-floor corridors are designed to receive abundant natural lighting, creating a soothing environment for residents as they move through the building. These well-lit corridors provide access to the 81 individual studio apartments, each compact yet thoughtfully equipped with everything needed for comfortable daily living. Large windows in each unit provide residents with a comfortable connection to the outside world while carefully preserving both the livability of the spaces and the residents' privacy.
The project represents more than just an architectural achievement; it embodies a compassionate approach to addressing the housing needs of vulnerable women in urban environments. By combining innovative construction techniques with sensitive design principles, Un Toit demonstrates how architecture can serve as both shelter and symbol of hope, providing not just physical protection but also the dignity and stability necessary for healing and rebuilding lives.
