Raspail, La Française headquarters

Located at the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue Vavin, the Raspail building, constructed in 1979 by Michel Herbert for Cogedim, is a striking example of 1970s functional architecture. Breaking with the Haussmannian style, its angular geometry and mirrored glass façades give it a unique identity. In 2012, Altarea Cogedim entrusted Franklin Azzi Architecture with the transformation of this building. The objective was to preserve its structure and style while meeting contemporary requirements in terms of comfort, performance and sustainability. The project took advantage of the quality of the existing concrete skeleton and the intelligence of the original design, particularly the corner recess, now prohibited, which provides a generous urban forecourt. Although the façades have been replaced, they retain the original layout and have been thermally optimised to meet environmental standards. Each façade has been treated according to a specific strategy: on the north side, the new envelope strictly follows the original design while improving efficiency. On the south side, the composition has been adjusted to ensure thermal comfort and quality of use, combining glazing, openings and solar protection.