'The protection of Paris's iconic zinc rooftops is now putting undue strain on the city's livability'
- Posted on September 12, 2026
- By Le Monde
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- 1 min read
In brief
Paris's strict architectural preservation regulations protecting the city's distinctive zinc rooflines are creating an unintended housing crisis. Top-floor apartments beneath these protected roofs have become increasingly uninhabitable during summer months due to inadequate cooling solutions. As climate change intensifies heat waves, the conflict between heritage conservation and modern living standards raises critical questions about balancing historical aesthetics with residents' comfort, health, and quality of life in European cities.
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'The protection of Paris's iconic zinc rooftops is now putting undue strain on the city's livability'
OP-ED. The ability to shelter from the heat has become a key component of a home's value. The situation in the French capital – with its top-floor apartments that have become unlivable – is a case in point, writes Dominique Naert, a civil engineering and sustainable building expert, for Le Monde.
