Albergo galleggiante sulla Senna a Parigi, Francia

This project was realised in 2016 by the atelier SEINE DESIGN, headed by Gerard Ronzatti and specialised in the design of luxury floating structures and boats. The concept is based on a rigorously symmetrical composition. Two floating hulls, hosting modular rooms arranged on two levels, are connected by a central circulation spine. Suspended in a double height space, this path raised by a half level with respect to the surface of the water, constitutes a sort of “public axis”. Attached to this axis, at a lower level, are the private spaces of the bedrooms, filtered by a semi-private corridor. Thanks to a subtle parallelism, this work of architecture materialises the atmosphere of Paris’ Rive Gauche and Rive Droite: the central path divides the two sequences of rooms just as the Seine divides and establishes a relationship between its two banks. Similarly, the layout of plans and functions seeks a dialogue with the city through the positioning of primarily public spaces toward the monumental Austerlitz Viaduct, with a gradient of spatial opening that culminates in a two-level uncovered space from which to enjoy views of the river. To dematerialise its mass, the exterior surface was designed to integrate this architectural object within the backdrop of Parisian quais. The façades of the public spaces exalt the transparency of volumes, minimising the presence of opaque surfaces, while the rooms feature a double skin of wood and metal slats with an integrated system of mobile brise-soleil. The same finish also characterises the internal elevations facing the central “axis”, transformed periodically into sinuous seating. Lightweight zinc roofs focus internal views toward the river landscape, while a glass roof over the central space allows natural light to filter into the heart of the building. The structure was designed to create an authentic and dynamic experience of living on the water. The hotel presents a very discrete profile, never exceeding a height of 6 metres above the water. The modularity of the rooms, made from prefabricated cells, allowed a high quality of water resistance, waterproofing and insulation. Additionally, to avoid the use of fixed foundations and reduce the environmental impact on the riverbed, the project features an innovative system of walkways: a double scissor bridge that agilely adapts to the water level to guarantee access under any environmental and meteorological conditions. Different solutions were adopted to ensure the efficient use of water and energy, from the recycling of water to thermodynamic exchange with the river, proof of the desire to seek a coexistence between sustainability and architectural quality.