Location and Views
The House for 2 Architects is a renovation project of a 19th-century apartment located in the Latin quarter of Paris, overlooking the Luxembourg Garden. Situated on the 5th floor, the apartment boasts impressive views, a feature that was carefully highlighted during the renovation.
Design Goals and Spatial Reorganization
Originally, the apartment was compartmentalized with many small, mono-oriented rooms. The primary goal of the renovation was to open up the floor plan to achieve double exposure—east to west—allowing for sunlight throughout the day. This required breaking down a 50cm wide bearing wall, with a pale green highlighted metal beam serving as a reminder of the original structure.
Family-Oriented Design
Designed for a family of four with two small children, the apartment features a children’s bedroom with bunk beds and a bathroom on one side, and the parents’ bedroom suite on the other. The space is divided into three parts: the main living area encompassing the kitchen, dining room, living room, and home office; the parents’ bedroom suite; and the children’s bedroom suite.
Integration and Functional Elements
A long continuous walnut wood element spans from east to west, separating the day and night spaces. This element integrates laundry facilities, storage, a bookcase, and a home cinema setup.
Flexible Spaces and Privacy
The home office in the main living area is equipped with a circular felt curtain that can close off the space, transforming it into a third bedroom when needed. The felt curtain also provides noise isolation, enhancing privacy and functionality. When open, the space is ideal for hosting large dinner parties.
Material Selection
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, the walls were covered with natural lime, which offers benefits for air quality and insulation. The kitchen features vibrated stainless steel to resist fingerprints and ensure durability, while the kitchen island is made from travertine stone to complement the light parquet flooring. Walnut wood and stainless steel were used in the bookcase and master bedroom to add warmth to the space.
Kids’ Bedroom Design
In the children’s bedroom, plywood was used to create bunk beds, closets, toy storage, and bookcases, fostering a playful and youthful environment.
Conclusion
The renovation of the House for 2 Architects blends modern functionality with historic charm, emphasizing natural light and spatial openness in the heart of Paris. The thoughtful use of materials and the flexible design elements ensure a comfortable and welcoming home for its inhabitants.
