Icoanei 88 is PPAE’s second development of its own and continues the approach inaugurated at Toamnei 48: the office not only designs, but also develops. This time, the stake is a rarely encountered condition — the Ministry of Culture’s approval required preserving and restoring the period facade of the house on the plot, which must be integrated into the new building. The result: a building of 7 apartments (G+2F+PF), on a small plot on Icoanei St., within the protection radius of the historic monument at no. 80.

Challenges

Two themes, both demanding. The heritage: the eclectic/neoclassical facade of the existing house — with ornamented frames, bossage and cornice — could not be demolished, but had to be conserved, restored and integrated into the new building, all in the vicinity of a historic monument. The land: a small plot (476 sqm), set on the building line and coupled to the existing party wall, on which a quality building had to be organised, with 7 apartments and the necessary parking.

Solutions

The essential challenge was keeping the historic facade alive. The solution: the street facade is propped during the demolition of the old body and the construction of the new reinforced-concrete frames, then anchored into the new structure and restored — becoming part of the building’s configuration, not a decoration set alongside. Pedestrian access was conceived precisely through the area of the preserved facade. The new volume sits on the building line, with a set-back top level, and is designed to nZEB standard. On the restricted plot, parking was resolved with a semi-automatic system on the ground floor, eliminating the need for a basement.

Result

For PPAE, the second confirmation of its ability to carry a development of its own from land to authorization — now with a concrete heritage-conservation component. For the area, a period facade preserved and reintegrated into contemporary living, instead of being lost — a way of building anew without erasing the memory of the place.

Do you have a plot in a sensitive area, perhaps with a period facade to preserve or a monument nearby? The PPAE team can support your project from concept to authorization and completion. Contact us