“Concrete. That’s all I see.” This is the Immeuble des frères Perret. We are standing before a marvel of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1903 by brothers Auguste and Gustave Perret this building is a testament to their pioneering use of reinforced concrete.
Before this building existed the use of reinforced concrete was primarily limited to foundations floors and staircases. The Perret brothers however were bold visionaries. They envisioned a structure entirely built from this innovative material. This was a radical departure from traditional Parisian masonry construction. Their ambition was immense. They aimed to create a building that was not only structurally sound but also aesthetically pleasing. Their father Claude Marie Perret guided them. They even considered a metallic structure. But concrete was cheaper and more fire resistant.
The brothers initially subcontracted the concrete work. The Immeuble des frères Perret served as a real-life test of their innovative techniques. The site presented a significant challenge. The plot was extremely narrow. Ingeniously the Perrets placed the interior courtyard at the street level. This was possible because of a recent authorization to break with traditional facade alignment. The bow windows extended a full meter further.
The building’s height was also unusual for the time at 10 stories. This was far beyond the typical six stories of Haussmannian buildings. Auguste Perret who lived in the top floor penthouse wanted sweeping views. He could even access a roof terrace. From there they say he could see as far as the Château de Saint Germain.
The building’s facade features exposed concrete. The Perrets were immensely proud of this accomplishment. The visible concrete posts are striking. They commissioned the renowned ceramic artist Alexandre Bigot to add floral decorations to the concrete walls.
This building served as a reference point for the Perret brothers. They established their architectural agency on the ground floor. The Immeuble des frères Perret was more than a building. It was a launchpad for their careers and a symbol of modern architectural innovation. It even influenced Le Corbusier who worked in the Perret brothers’ office. This building truly stands as a landmark in the evolution of Parisian architecture. A pioneer in concrete design. A legacy of visionary architects.