Roof restoration: balancing technical requirements and continuity

Architecte Versailles, réfection couverture secteur sauvegardé : lucarnes zinc ardoise naturelle, souches cheminées polychrome mitrons nettoyés, isolation thermique - Cabinet architecture Antoine de Gironde Versailles 10 rue Fontenay

The zinc and slate roof of this 1875 neo‑classical house in Versailles underwent a complete technical and architectural intervention. The main challenge was to reinvent a roof able to meet contemporary requirements while respecting the original constructive logic and expression. The roof thus regains a clearer presence in the building’s overall composition, reaffirming the slenderness of its proportions and the crispness of its silhouette.

The zinc flat area was entirely redone, integrating high‑performance thermal insulation and a discreet ventilation system. This is provided by a double zinc astragal strip integrated into the roof design, allowing a continuous reading of the covering without visible interruption. Careful execution details preserve the fineness of the lines and the coherence of the volume.

The mansard hip is a characteristic element of mansard roofs. It is treated here in slate to restore the traditional constructive logic of the neo‑classical building. Steeper, the brisis ensures the transition between the façade and the zinc terrasson. Slate plays an essential technical and plastic role by emphasizing the change of slope while asserting a controlled horizontal reading of the building. Slate installation follows a regular coursing that accommodates slope variation while guaranteeing perfect watertightness. The deep, slightly matte grey introduces a more mineral texture that contrasts with the smoother, more reflective zinc. This subtle opposition reinforces the hierarchy of volumes and the legibility of the roof profile in the urban landscape.

The chimney stacks were also restored with precision. Each brick was repaired and hand‑toned to recover the original polychromy of ochres, vermilion and dark brown. This meticulous work contributes to the restitution of the building’s original materiality. Roof elements are therefore not treated as mere technical devices but as true façade components contributing to the overall compositional balance.

This roof intervention is part of a broader architectural ensemble. The neo‑classical house with Louis XV decorative elements was restored respecting its original character, in collaboration with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France. Façades were redone with limewash and mineral paint, while mouldings and the plinth were restored using traditional techniques. This careful work restores the roof’s role in the building’s overall composition, both as a technical element and as an extension of the façade.

The whole project thus seeks to articulate contemporary performance and patrimonial continuity by placing the roof as a central element of architectural reading.

Vue générale chantier, voligeage bois, réfection couverture zinc Versailles : ventilation double bande astragale – Atelier d’Architecture Antoine de Gironde 10 rue Fontenay collaboration ABF

→ Back to project

Also discover

Heritage architect Versailles — restoration of châteaux in the protected sector: Biscay castle entrance hall renovation, natural stone floor, conserved historic wall tapestry, massive wooden bench, carved ancient wooden door, underfloor heating, cream stone walls — Antoine de Gironde practice, 10 rue de Fontenay, Versailles, working with ABF.

Amikuze

Versailles architect — interior renovation of a 1930 house: entrance hall with majestic staircase, preserved period geometric floor tiles, mouldings, bright white walls — Antoine de Gironde architectural firm, 10 rue de Fontenay, Versailles, 500 m from the Château, heritage expert for 20th‑century buildings in the protected sector.

St Louis

Translating French to English

It seems like the user wants me to translate something into English, following the pattern from our previous interactions where I translated French descriptions. I’ll keep the translation concise and provide the address as needed. I’m focusing on keeping it minimal to make it clear and straightforward. Let’s get that translation done!Architect Versailles — renovation of entrance hall at 41 Boulevard du Roi: double glazed Art Deco door opening onto a tree-lined courtyard, beige mosaic floor, peach‑beige walls, white mailboxes, black metal joinery, natural light, refurbishment of common areas — Antoine de Gironde practice, Versailles, historic building renovation.

Roi

→ Let's discuss your project