Do you love your neighbourhood and your address, and don’t want to move, but your current home is sorely lacking in space? Adding an extra storey is the ideal architectural solution for increasing your living space without encroaching on the land or floor space of your home or building. Whether you own a detached house or a flat in a condominium, this ingenious construction technique allows you to add one or more extra floors above the existing building, transforming your roof into potential living space.
At Maison A&G, our experience in architecture, extension and elevation of buildings in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and throughout France allows us to offer you turnkey projects that respect the harmony of the building, urban planning constraints and technical requirements. Elevation is one of the services we specialise in and offer you.
Expand without moving: enhance what you already have
Adding extra storeys is much more than simply adding space; it is a way of increasing property value and urban densification, which is particularly relevant in areas where space is at a premium. By raising the height of your house or building, you not only create new square metres, but you also reinvent the perception and use of your home.
However, it is essential to approach this type of work with recognised expertise. The choice of materials, the calculation of the new height and compliance with standards (such as the ALUR law for co-ownership) are crucial elements in ensuring the sustainability and compliance of your project. We favour wood or steel construction in particular for their lightness and speed of implementation, thus reducing the impact on the existing structure and the duration of the project.
Études techniques et faisabilité du projet
Before breaking ground, any extension project must undergo thorough analysis and rigorous feasibility studies. At Maison A&G, it is the interior designer’s role to orchestrate these steps to ensure the safety, legality and success of your project.
Structural analysis and diagnosis of building stresses
The most critical step is the diagnosis of the existing structure. Our engineers carry out a complete structural study to assess:
- Foundation reinforcement: Are they capable of supporting the additional load of the new floor? Foundation reinforcement may be necessary.
- The strength of load-bearing walls: Are the existing walls strong enough? If the building is old, the nature of the materials is paramount.
- The roof and framework: Dismantling the old roof and preparing the support for the new structure requires great precision.
These assessments enable us to determine the best technical approach and choice of materials (often a lightweight wooden frame or a steel structure).
Architectural and regulatory feasibility study
Building extensions are strictly regulated by local urban planning regulations. It is essential to:
- Check the Local Urban Planning Scheme (PLU): The PLU for your area defines the maximum height of buildings, the floor area ratio and the appearance of façades. These rules must be complied with before submitting your plans.
- Regulatory constraints: Comply with current thermal, acoustic and seismic standards.
- Administrative procedures: The right to add extra storeys is subject to obtaining a building permit or prior declaration, depending on the surface area created.
Did you know? In cities such as Paris or Bordeaux, the agreement of co-owners is often a mandatory step for co-owned buildings, requiring a vote at a general meeting (often by a double majority under the ALUR law).
Aesthetic integration into the existing environment
Our role as architects is to ensure that the new construction blends seamlessly with the existing building and its surroundings. The extension must appear as an invisible and elegant addition, in harmony with the neighbouring façades, the slope of the roof and the architectural style of the building or house.
A harmonious and functional design and/or aesthetic integration and contemporary comfort
Design is the stage where dreams take shape. Our architects transform the new surface into genuine living spaces, designed for contemporary comfort.
Creation of volumes and vertical circulation
Adding a floor often involves creating a new staircase or vertical circulation. This is crucial for the ergonomics of the home. We work on the plan to minimise the impact on the lower spaces while providing smooth access to the new space. Whether it’s a master bedroom suite with a terrace, new bedrooms, or a large, light-filled living room, the potential is endless.
Optimizing natural light and openings
The upper floor enjoys privileged access to light. We optimise the location and size of openings to flood the space with light. The insulation of the new façades and roof is also essential to ensure energy performance in line with current requirements.
Customised design of new living spaces
Our interior design proposals are always tailor-made, ranging from integrated storage solutions to high-end finishes, in order to deliver a cohesive home, from the ground floor to the new roof.
Architectural direction and site coordination
Managing a roof extension project is complex. It requires careful coordination, particularly during the delicate stages of removing the roof and installing the new structure. Maison A&G provides comprehensive architectural management:
- Administrative management: Monitoring planning permission and end-of-works declarations.
- Site management: Coordination of trades (carpenters, masons, roofers) to ensure that the schedule and costs are adhered to (the price is controlled from the initial study).
- Safety: Implementation of a strict safety protocol, especially when work is carried out on a building in a dense urban environment.
The art of invisible and elegant expansion: our completed elevation projects
Our portfolio of projects demonstrates our ability to transform a building’s potential into a harmonious reality. From the discreet addition of a wooden floor to a townhouse in Bordeaux to the creation of luxurious apartments with elevated views in a Haussmann-style building in Paris, each project is unique. We strive for architectural excellence so that your extension blends seamlessly with the existing structure.
Why choose Maison A&G?
Choosing Maison A&G for your roof extension project means choosing comprehensive expertise:
- 360° expertise: From legal and urban planning studies to final delivery of the project.
- Technical expertise: Recognised expertise in foundation reinforcement and the selection of lightweight construction solutions.
- Architectural vision: An emphasis on aesthetic integration and energy performance.
- National presence: Extensive experience in urban environments: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, as well as Nice, Cannes, Antibes and throughout France.
Add a new dimension to your home
Don’t see your roof as a limitation, but as an opportunity. Contact Maison A&G to transform your house or building into a more spacious and modern home. We will assist you from the initial cost estimate to the installation of the final materials.
