In the heart of Paris’s 12th arrondissement, a relic of 1970s Brutalist architecture has been transformed into a contemporary, multi-functional space. Once the headquarters of the National Forestry Office, the 35-meter-tall Racine Tower now serves as a dynamic addition to the neighborhood, and as the headquarters of a vocational training organization. The redesign by Maud Caubet Architectes breathes new life into the 6,000-square-meter structure while seeking to address environmental and urban challenges.
At the core of the redesign is a commitment to adaptability and sustainability. The original slab-and-post grid structure remains intact but has been augmented by a series of contemporary extensions. These additions, from the ground floor to the roof, have transformed the building’s appearance and usability.
The most striking change is the addition of a glass greenhouse to the tenth floor. This timber-framed structure replaces the former attic and now serves as a hub for urban agriculture and community activities. The greenhouse also features a café open to building users and offers panoramic views of Paris. By night, it glows like a lantern, casting light across the surrounding neighborhood.
Nature is woven throughout the tower’s new design. A 175-square-meter productive green roof crowns the building, supporting the renaturation of the site. On various floors, vegetable gardens, agricultural greenhouses, and landscaped terraces introduce greenery into the urban environment.
The former parking ramp has been repurposed to create a 12-meter-deep curved patio, connecting the building’s interior with a series of terraced gardens. Two levels of the underground parking garage have been converted into naturally lit spaces, further integrating functional areas with the surrounding landscape.
Racine Tower is designed to adapt to a wide range of uses. Its grid structure and vertical circulation systems allow it to shift between roles as office spaces, student housing, co-living areas, or even hotel accommodations. The flexibility of the design minimizes future costs and ensures the building remains relevant as urban needs evolve. Inside, the project incorporates so-called 'third places'—spaces designed for flexible and collaborative uses. These areas complement the building’s primary functions while supporting diverse activities, from work to leisure.
The redesign of Racine Tower reflects the philosophy of Maud Caubet Architectes, an agency established in 2006 with a focus on revitalizing existing structures. Known for balancing environmental priorities with user needs, the firm has redefined the potential of this Brutalist structure.
