Do I need an architect?

In France, an architect is compulsory for a building permit as soon as the floor area of the house, after works, exceeds 150 m².

Can my house be raised?

It depends on the local plan (PLU: height, building envelope) and on the capacity of the structure and foundations. We check this in the feasibility study.

Mainly in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis (Pantin, Noisy-le-Sec, Les Lilas, Saint-Ouen…), Val-de-Marne and Essonne. For some projects, anywhere in France, depending on public transport access.

Timber houses, extensions and added storeys

atelier eem designs new houses, extensions, added storeys and energy renovations in Paris and the inner suburbs (Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Essonne). We work with timber and bio-based materials: CLT, wood fibre, cellulose, cork, lime. We design the house and the garden together.

What we do

New houses in timber or bio-based materials
House extensions
Added storeys (rooftop extensions)
Energy renovations
Gardens and green roofs

References

Maison KW+FP, Noisy-le-SecTwo passive houses in CLT timber, 130 m² + 104 m², 2019.

Emile Zola, Noisy-le-SecNew house in 40 cm aerated concrete, lime renders, green roof, 2024.

Maison PIR, Yerres81 m² extension, 2022.

House extension, Fontenay-sous-Bois114 m² added to a meulière stone house, 2025.

Maison M, Belleville (Paris 20th)Renovation and added storey, 53 m² after works, 2018.

Maison N, Saint-Ouen-sur-SeineRenovation and added storey, 150 m², 2017.

Maison E+D, Les LilasEnergy renovation of 123 m² with bio-based insulation, 2021.

Timber-frame housesWith a specialist partner in Germany, 2013–2019. Services from sketch design to building permit.

How we work

We start with a feasibility study: planning rules (PLU), existing structure, foundations. Then comes the sketch design, followed by the building permit or prior declaration application. We consult contractors and supervise the works.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an architect?: In France, an architect is compulsory for a building permit as soon as the floor area of the house, after works, exceeds 150 m².
Can my house be raised?: It depends on the local plan (PLU: height, building envelope) and on the capacity of the structure and foundations. We check this in the feasibility study.
Where do you work?: Mainly in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis (Pantin, Noisy-le-Sec, Les Lilas, Saint-Ouen…), Val-de-Marne and Essonne. For some projects, anywhere in France, depending on public transport access.

Contact

contact@atelier-eem.org · +33 1 88 61 39 36 · studio in Pantin, 24 rue Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves

See all references →See also: public space and public commissions →