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Architects Directory 2009

 

H20 Architectes

France

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

From their base in the Marais, the three principals of H20 Architectes provide a combination of creative architectural design and the restoration of historic structures. Founded by Jean-Jacques Hubert in 2005 and subsequently joined by Charlotte Hubert and Antoine Santiard, the trio have have a history of collaboration, including working for major French firms like Jakob + MacFarlane and Bernard Tschumi. Both JJ Hubert and Santiard also teach in Parisian art schools. In 2008, the studio won the NAJAP Prize, given to young architects and landscape designers by the French government.

H20's broad approach allows them to cross-pollinate ideas and inspiration, between issues surrounding context and programme, use and material and new technology. A small scale house reconfiguration in the Parisian suburb of Chatou allowed for the installation of a complex piece of multi-level joinery, while restoration work helps hone their skills and appreciation of historic construction. 'The office's work is based on a perpetual renewed knowledge, constantly debated with a team of experts from various fields.'

THE HOUSE

H20's project for wallpaper is a house that demonstrates a literal path through life, a route that coils up through the stacked structure for a fluid, multi-layered spatial experience. The design is able to slot into a suburb or empty site anywhere in the world. The structure is united by the slot windows that spiral up the fragmented façade, with various functions concealed within discrete boxes.

THE FUTURE

New work includes a series of large private villas on a site near Marrakesh, each of which is wrapped around a private internal courtyard. There is also a scheme to create new social housing in Paris through the renovation and extension of an existing structure to create new external space and balconies.

www.h2oarchitectes.com