- Project: Racine Tower
- Architect: Maud Caubet Architects
- Location: France, Paris
- Year: 2024
- Area: 6081 m2
In the bustling 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Racine Tower stands as a testament to sustainable innovation and adaptive design. Spearheaded by Maud Caubet Architectes for Alderan (SCI EWOK), this remarkable project breathes new life into the former headquarters of the Office National des Forêts (ONF). Completed in November 2024, the 35-meter-high tower’s transformation showcases how urban architecture can evolve while honoring its past.
Reviving Brutalist Legacy with a Modern Touch
Originally designed in 1970, the tower reflects the brutalist era’s slab construction and artificialized ground levels. Racine Tower’s redesign reimagines these dated features, introducing curved extensions and terraced landings that seamlessly blend with the natural landscape. A productive green roof crowns the structure, reconnecting the site with nature while addressing the densification of urban environments.
The project also repurposed two parking levels into vibrant spaces bathed in natural light and created a 12-meter-deep curved patio that opens onto a terraced garden. This innovative approach reclaimed valuable square footage, merging functionality with a renewed sense of openness.
A Flexible Framework for Future Adaptation
Racine Tower’s modular design ensures versatility for future use. Its grid structure and strategically placed vertical circulation allow effortless transitions between offices, housing, coliving spaces, or even hotel accommodations.
Double-height extensions and a bioclimatic greenhouse enhance the building’s usability, ensuring it adapts to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Whether for work, leisure, or community activities, Racine Tower offers a dynamic environment designed for living, learning, and growing.
Crowning Glory: The Greenhouse Crown
Replacing the former attic on the 10th floor, a timber-framed glass crown houses a bioclimatic greenhouse and an educational urban agriculture unit. This space includes a café accessible to all building users and offers breathtaking views of Paris. At night, the crown transforms into a luminous lantern, creating a visual landmark for the community.
Sustainability at the Core
Racine Tower’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its design. The project earned HQE Excellent Certification, Effinergie+ standards, and the BiodiverCity label. Its materials—wood, glass, and vegetation—embody eco-consciousness while ensuring aesthetic harmony.
With a design by Maud Caubet Architectes, known for their expertise in enhancing existing structures, the tower exemplifies thoughtful renovation. The firm’s approach respects the building’s original character while introducing modern elements that prioritize environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Racine Tower isn’t just a building; it’s a living, breathing hub of sustainability and adaptability. Its transformation is a model for urban architecture, proving that modern design can honor history, embrace nature, and inspire future generations.
