Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Parisian Flat is Enhanced With a New Open-plan Design
This reconfigured apartment in Paris has been given a flexible new layout to reflect the eclectic personality of its owner
What was once a conventional three-bedroom apartment occupying the top two floors of a 1980s apartment building in Paris has been transformed into an open-plan living space. It now has a series of movable walls that allow it to be changed into an open-plan area or divided into a series of intimate spaces.
In reconfiguring the space, architect Glenn Medioni has created an escape from busy city life for the homeowner and a glimpse for the visitor into his client’s imagination.
In reconfiguring the space, architect Glenn Medioni has created an escape from busy city life for the homeowner and a glimpse for the visitor into his client’s imagination.
The media room is designed for watching films and listening to music. It features sound insulation and the walls are covered with custom-made MDF panels that have acoustic qualities. These are painted white, with black panels for displaying digital photographs. Media equipment is stored inside the bank of cupboards through which infrared rays can pass, meaning that remote controls can be used without having to open any doors.
Discreet lighting is used at night to enhance the acoustic MDF panels in the media room.
Adjoining the media room is a softer living space for relaxing. This area can be closed off with a sliding door.
Medioni created the bespoke bookcase with organically shaped cubbyholes in the office area. ‘It was about making something personal and creative that would link the interior to the outdoors,’ explains Medioni. ‘And, of course, to display my client’s books and objects.’
Like the panels in the media room, the bookcase is made of white-painted MDF. The impressive unit was first designed by Medioni, then constructed by cabinet makers.
Antipodes
The black background to this honeycomb-like bookcase contrasts beautifully with the white-painted MDF and gives the unit an additional feeling of depth.
Striking black lines were added to the units and walls in the huge kitchen-diner to create a sense of fluidity and movement. The cupboards and island were ergonomically designed, and the extractor hood and lights custom made. Close attention was given to the homeowner’s requirements, such as the induction hob having a concave plate for cooking on with a wok.
The worktop on the island is made from black granite with a flamed finish and was designed with one corner pointing downwards. ‘This was to ensure the mass of stone has a lighter feel. It breaks up the horizontal lines and gives the material an element of flexibility,’ explains Medioni.
The different shapes of the ceiling blocks were inspired by icebergs, and define the distinct areas of the kitchen.
The different shapes of the ceiling blocks were inspired by icebergs, and define the distinct areas of the kitchen.
In the dining area, meals are eaten at a table made with béton ciré – a waxed concrete surface. Above it on the wall is a magnetic board where the owner can display photographs and objects.
The more private area of the apartment is reached through a symbolic ‘black box’. This artistic installation is a reference to the black boxes found in aircraft, and functions as a transitional space.
Check out the rules architects live by when working with builders
Check out the rules architects live by when working with builders
There are no visible partitions between the open-plan bedroom and bathroom. A long double basin is attached to the back of the bed’s headboard, and reached by walking behind the bed.
‘The owner wanted to shave in daylight,’ Medioni says. ‘As the light comes through the bedroom first (on the right) and then into the bathroom. the basin is positioned to face this light.’ The basin is set into an oak unit which has been oiled to showcase the wood’s natural appearance.
Discover more ideas for adding wood to your bathroom
‘The owner wanted to shave in daylight,’ Medioni says. ‘As the light comes through the bedroom first (on the right) and then into the bathroom. the basin is positioned to face this light.’ The basin is set into an oak unit which has been oiled to showcase the wood’s natural appearance.
Discover more ideas for adding wood to your bathroom
The shower area is fitted with Indonesian stone, complete with a towel rack, concealed valve shower and an automatic soap dispenser. Large-format square slate tiles cover the floor.
The bath’s waterfall tap looks deceptively simple, but is a technological jewel. It memorises the temperature and flow that the owner prefers, so the tub, which is made from ultra-resistant resin, can be filled at the touch of a button.
Browse more tempting tap designs
Browse more tempting tap designs
The bedroom and bathroom areas are distinguished by a raised floor and false ceiling. Elevating the floor by 15cm also enabled the architect to rework all the plumbing for the bathroom.
The wardrobe has been custom made and has handy internal lighting.
A smart and comfortable rice straw tatami mat covers the bedroom floor.
Outside, the 35 sq m terrace has new flooring and is filled with vines, figs and olive trees. The owner enjoys sitting here, taking in the magnificent view from the Bois de Vincennes all the way to the Eiffel Tower.
TELL US…
What do you think of this quirkily designed city flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
TELL US…
What do you think of this quirkily designed city flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A single man, around 60 years old
Location 20th arrondissement of Paris (near the Pelleport metro station)
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Designer Glenn Medioni of Agence Glenn Medioni Architecture & Design
The owner loves travelling and is a fan of photography and music. He wanted to turn his traditional home into an unconventional living space that reflected his personality.
To achieve this, architect Glenn Medioni knocked down all of the non load-bearing walls in the property to create a bright and spacious open-plan area. This space can be broken up by a system of sliding doors that disappear back into the new partitions. The public living space and private sleeping area are separated by a ‘black box’ that resembles a decompression airlock.
As the owner frequently works from home, a comfortable and spacious office area has been created to overlook the terrace. This working zone is defined by a lower false ceiling, task lighting and a carpeted area.
Desk, Yamakado. Wall lamps, Topix.