Architectural and energy transformation of the Résidence Picardie in Aubervilliers by Verna Architectes and the Lorillard Group

Typical of the collective housing of the "seventies", this aging residence presents the usual characteristics of this era: insufficient insulation, a dated aesthetic which devalues ​​the property, and elements of the building envelope in a state of deterioration, representing a structural threat in the medium term.

Under the direction of the VERNA architectural firm, the renovation project aims to be a complete response to these challenges. VERNA is responsible for the project management of this ambitious undertaking, orchestrating an architectural and thermal requalification. The dual-issue renovation program aims to satisfy the various needs of the co-owners, to carry out external thermal insulation (ITE) and to renovate the associated lots to contribute significantly to an overall energy gain of 47%. In addition, the renovation aims to highlight the architecture of the building by reusing the shades present in its environment, thus breathing new aesthetic life into this residence.

Lorillard Façades, architect of the transformation of the Résidence Picarde

With a team of 8 professionals, Lorillard Façades took charge of all the missions linked to the treatment of facades, the renewal of guardrails and the renovation of interior and exterior common areas. These missions encompassed various aspects, including external thermal insulation on all facades, insulation of the upper floors of the covered passage and cellars, waterproofing of the balconies, modification of the guardrails, complete renovation of the covered passage , as well as the renovation of the interior common areas, including the hall and the stairwell. After carrying out exhaustive cleaning of all surfaces and carrying out the necessary repairs to the concrete and masonry works, the facades were subjected to a total insulation of more than 940 m² with 140 mm rock wool under coating. Particular attention was paid to the application of maximum insulation, by adding flaps to the window frames at the switchboard returns, thus aiming to prevent possible condensation pathologies in the future.

To ensure reliable and sustainable energy savings, Lorillard Façades has installed lacquered aluminum covers, fixed to the parapets and walls. This global approach aims to guarantee effective thermal insulation while preserving the aesthetics and durability of exterior structures.

The interior common areas, such as the lobby and stairwell, as well as the breezeway and access to the parking lot, have undergone a complete renovation. This included the removal of the existing false ceiling, replaced with 120mm sprayed rock wool insulation, followed by the installation of a new false ceiling made of plasterboard and cement on a metal frame, all ultimately painted.

The balconies were waterproofed using a liquid waterproofing system (LS). The guardrails were preserved thanks to meticulous cutting of their ends, thus allowing the installation of the insulation in an optimal manner. In accordance with a precise and demanding architectural vision, a series of aesthetic improvements were made: cleaning of the guardrails, painting of doors and grilles, and replacement of the mailbox block. These interventions were carried out with the aim of bringing quality and modernity to the overall aesthetic of the residence.

Highlight the architectural structure of the building

The inclination of the building in relation to the boulevard, characteristic of an era when architects favored orientation and open space rather than urban alignment, required an ingenious architectural solution. The objective was to create a visual connection between the building and neighboring structures, in a sometimes chaotic peri-urban environment.

The choice of a bright and bold color palette, although offbeat, but harmonious in its hues, helps to reorganize this urban sequence. This approach gives a certain coherence to the whole, while respecting the urban alignment. Thus, the chosen polychromy brings a joyful touch while preserving a harmonious and offbeat aesthetic, unifying the building with its diverse peri-urban environment. The adoption of warm tones generated softer light within the apartments, while the accentuated contrast on the top level aimed to create a crowning effect.

An in-depth research of colors was undertaken by the Lorillard Group in order to apply a color gradient on the main facade. No less than 10 shades of mass coatings were carefully applied according to the VERNA firm's guidelines. This approach aimed to break the verticality of the main facade by creating a play of warm colors, thus adding a rich and nuanced aesthetic dimension to the building.

This achievement aroused unanimous enthusiasm during its presentation to the UNSFA/CAH jury during the first edition of the Prize for the Architectural Requalification of Co-ownerships. This competition, designed alongside the creation of the Renodays show, distinguishes projects in three categories of architectural requalification (old, 60s and beyond, densification-raising). In September 2023, Lorillard Façades, in collaboration with the Verna Architectes firm, was honored with the Requalification Trophy
Architectural of Small Condominiums.

For the architect Eric VERNA: « This residence, built in 1976 and comprising 20 housing units, underwent a complete renovation aimed at achieving an energy gain of 47%, all within the framework of a budget of 600.000 euros. Aubervilliers, a city undergoing rapid change with promotion and redevelopment projects, is at the heart of this transformation. Through this achievement, we wish to highlight that the energy renovation of a project is not limited to the installation of simple exterior insulation (ITE). On the contrary, it offers an opportunity to reinterpret and architecturally enhance the building, both for its harmonization in the urban landscape and for the satisfaction of the inhabitants. »