00:02The owners wanted a studio for their child to live, study and eventually work in Paris.
00:09The idea was to bring a countryside in Paris feeling something authentic but still refined.
00:17They wanted it to be bright and highly functional with a contemporary design.
00:22Also, what really makes the space special is how it blends Parisian and references to their Mediterranean origins.
00:38Aurelien Denis
00:39My name is Aurelien Denis. I'm an architect based in Paris.
00:43The apartment is in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
00:47It's located one block away from the Luxembourg garden.
00:51It's a lively area with lots of cute coffee shops and sunny terraces.
00:57The building was built in the early 19th century on what used to be a religious land.
01:03And around the 1950s it was converted into apartments.
01:07The original layout had an enclosed entrance which isolated one of the three windows.
01:13The bathroom and the kitchen were in a very small dark room with very little storage.
01:19There was a very narrow mezzanine that could be accessed using a ladder.
01:23It allowed for storing boxes but it wasn't suitable for sleeping.
01:28The starting point for the layout was to make the space feel as open as possible and bringing as much
01:34natural light as we could.
01:36We started by taking out all the mezzanines so we could make the most of the ceiling height and create
01:42a more open feeling.
01:44Then we knocked down the bathroom which was near the entrance and replaced it with an open kitchen.
01:49The whole kitchen was removed to make room for the toilets and a big storage column.
01:54Then we built curved walls of different heights to define the remaining spaces.
02:04The studio is 24 square meters.
02:07As you enter, immediately to your right is the brain of the apartment.
02:12The large built-in curb boards hide an electrical panel and an internet router.
02:18At the very top, we wanted to maximize storage space and added a few shelves to store books.
02:24The window at the entrance brings a lot of natural light and connects the entrance area with the rest of
02:29the apartment.
02:31The combined living and dining area is bright and airy.
02:35The lounge chair is from Zaha Home.
02:38It was chosen to provide a comfortable spot to see it and read.
02:42It is light and compact and it can be easily moved around if more space is needed.
02:47It also unfolds into a bed to accommodate a guest staying over.
02:52In the living room, there is no TV.
02:55Instead, you'll find a bench for reading, working from home or dining.
02:59The bench is made of plaster and finished with micro-cement which pays homage to the Mediterranean lamp plasters.
03:07The round cafe home dining table happens to also be made from micro-cement and the shape makes it easier
03:14for people to move around.
03:16In the corner of the room, we added mirrors to reflect the image of the building's garden.
03:21It also gives an illusion of a bigger window and larger space.
03:26The mirror is made of a few pieces.
03:28We line it up with the window frame and make sure the joints didn't fall right at eye level.
03:34The view from the three windows helps to enhance the sense of openness in this small space and brings in
03:40a little bit of green.
03:44The sleeping area is tucked inside the curved walls creating a cozy feeling.
03:49We kept the original ceiling beams that really give structure to the space and highlights its history.
03:55The owner really wanted lots of storage, especially for big items like suitcases, so I designed a raised bed platform.
04:04The storage can also be accessed from above by moving the mattress and slats.
04:08We use IKEA slats because they can be easily replaced by the owner in the future if they get damaged.
04:15The bed slats are level with the platforms and currently have a double-sized mattress.
04:20But there is enough space to upgrade to a queen size if needed.
04:24Thanks to the high ceiling, you can stand comfortably and walk around on the platform.
04:29It also makes it easier when making the bed in the morning.
04:33In the corner, there is a pendant light you can turn on with a switch.
04:36And a platform space around the mattress works like a bedside table.
04:41There is also a power outlet nearby for charging your phone.
04:46We added a small wall shelf in the corner, perfect for a candle or some books.
04:51It's placed in this corner so it's out of the way when moving around the bed platform.
04:57The kitchen was moved out of its tiny enclosed space.
05:01It feels much more spacious and allows for interactions with guests.
05:05We wanted to keep the minimal clean look by hiding technical elements like the fridge and dishwasher.
05:11It contains all the essentials for cooking and hoisting such as a moderate sink, an oven and an induction hub.
05:20The countertop and backsplash are made from a natural stone tile, reflecting the apartment's rustic character.
05:26They are actually the same tiles that we used throughout the floor of the apartment.
05:31It's our nod to traditional French country homes.
05:34We made the most of the storage in the kitchen by using the height of the apartment.
05:39There is a loudest tool to assist in accessing the upper cabinets and shelves.
05:43It's great for storing less commonly used items.
05:49The bathroom was moved from the entrance to the middle of the apartment.
05:53So even though it is in a darker part, we wanted it to still receive as much natural light as
05:58possible.
05:59Like the kitchen, the bathroom is open to the main volume of the studio.
06:04The varying heights of the partition let the light pass through and define the spaces.
06:10These partitions provide complete privacy with no views from the outside windows.
06:16A stainless steel sink was chosen to contrast with the countryside mood of the apartment.
06:21And the tap is installed right on the mirror, which makes it look like it's floating.
06:26It's a little bit of magic.
06:28The closet provides storage for all clothes and shoes in the apartment.
06:32One door is for hanging clothes above and storing shoes below.
06:37The other door has shelves for sweaters and stuff.
06:42The toilet is the only room where we're extending the wall all the way up to fully enclose it.
06:47It is also the only space with a door.
06:51We hang the toilet on the wall.
06:53This makes it appear less bulky and is easier to clean around.
06:57Even in this compact space, we managed to fit a washing machine in here.
07:02Above the washing machine, we added a heated towel rack, which also helps to drive the laundry.
07:08Most of the time, my work consists of adapting all spaces to contemporary uses.
07:14Every era of construction has flaws that need to be corrected.
07:18Every space has a particular quality that must be highlighted.
07:22My motto, minimalism and more, is about keeping things simple and elegant,
07:27while making sure the space becomes comfortable and practical.
07:32I think a well-renovated space creates a better experience for its occupants.
07:38A good renovation makes living in existing homes much better,
07:41so people don't have to move far away from the city center to find a nice place to live.
07:56I do not do this before you are doing very
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