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Vibrant and Luminous Interior Spaces that Function as both Offices and Housing

By • Dec 22, 2017

This small tower has been built by Dominique Coulon, Olivier Nicollas, Benjamin Rocchi, and Steve Letho Duclos of the French architectural firm Dominique Coulon & Associés. It is located in the historic Krutenau district of Strasbourg, France, a district traditionally populated by boatmen and fishermen, and crisscrossed by canals. The tower covers an area of 500 square meters and was completed in 2015.

External view of the small tower

Strasbourg has a number of what are known as hollow teeth, or vacant plots that are too small to be attractive, and thus be put to use. The consultation then called for the production, on a plot measuring just 120 square meters, of a building that would guarantee the achievement of high energy performances, the use of bio-sourced materials, and a mixed-purpose project housing offices and accommodation, as well as well as a kitchen garden and an organic swimming pool on the topmost terrace.

Details of the black tower
Terrace area with elongated pool

The façade of the building is clad in scorched wood (larch), a technique originating in Japan, where they scorch the outer surface of the material in order to extend its life. Orange and silver awnings cover some of the windows, granting the exterior a pop of color. The interior is vibrant and luminous, providing open spaces in which to partake in a variety of activities.

Spacious offices made out of concrete
Offices with glass walls
Offices with file cabinet spaces
Modern black metal stairs
Detail of modern black metal stairs
Narrow stairs in pure white
Housing level with living room and kitchen
Modern living room with dark gray sofa and fireplace
Rest area with glass walls
Wooden stairs
Wooden dining room with concrete and glass walls
Rest area in vibrant colors
Relaxation area
Modern bedroom completely covered in light wood
Children’s room with bright red colors
Bedroom decorated in red
Bathroom in intense blue and black
Exterior night view
External view of the small tower: 0
Details of the black tower
Terrace area with elongated pool
Spacious offices made out of concrete
Offices with glass walls

Offices with file cabinet spaces
Modern black metal stairs
Detail of modern black metal stairs
Narrow stairs in pure white
Housing level with living room and kitchen

Modern living room with dark gray sofa and fireplace
Rest area with glass walls
Wooden dining room with concrete and glass walls
Wooden stairs
Rest area in vibrant colors

Relaxation area
Modern bedroom completely covered in light wood
Children’s room with bright red colors
Bedroom decorated in red
Bathroom in intense blue and black

Exterior night view

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