Imprimerie nouvelle de Marseille

7^e arrondissement

Apartment block prize

Located in the 7^th arrondissement, near the Vieux-Port at the corner of two streets, the project is surrounded by late 19^th-century buildings, 1970s housing, and ground-floor shops and restaurants. The area's "three-window Marseille" building style is prominent. Despite its industrial design and corner location, the original building created a gap in the streetscape. The project involved adding three new levels to align the building's height with neighboring structures. While preserving the functional, industrial nature of the original building, the design also aimed to maintain its forward-thinking spirit.

The contemporary addition, consisting of offices on the first two floors and residential units above, restores the volume and linearity of nearby buildings on Sainte and Robert streets, while respecting the century-old architecture of the printing house. Maintaining functional diversity and blending with the existing environment was key, achieved through the use of materials like concrete, aluminum joinery, and standing seam zinc on the attic, which will age naturally over time.

Jury’s Opinion 

The Imprimerie Nouvelle, a work by architect Eugène Chirié, could have been replaced by a generic housing development.

Building on what was already there, this rehabilitation and densification project meets the objectives of Marseille’s heritage site, revealing an industrial legacy with Art Deco moldings and ironwork, while adding a contemporary elevation that fits within the surrounding building heights.

Frédéric Aubenton

Maîtrise d’ouvrage : UP Investissement

Architectes : Will Architecture

Surface SHON : 1111 m² 

Montant des travaux : 1,5 M€ HT 

Date de livraison : 4^e trimestre 2023