In Paris’s 9th arrondissement, a 240-square-meter apartment reimagines the conventions of urban living by combining verticality, material coherence, and versatile spaces, thereby elegantly redefining contemporary living.
In the heart of the Saint-Georges neighborhood, this space transforms into a true domestic theater—a privileged stage where the art of living unfolds. The architectural duo Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani have completed the transformation of this four-level apartment, designed to enhance the living experience while preserving an intimate sanctuary, transcending the traditional trade-off between private life and social life.
The Art of Verticality
The project builds on the original layout while refining it with great precision. On the ground floor, the space captures natural light, fostering interaction in a decidedly welcoming atmosphere. As one ascends, the spaces become more intimate, adopting a more private aesthetic. This spatial hierarchy, intended by the architects, unfolds like a fluid narrative: the entryway invites gathering, while the upper floors invite retreat. This design approach avoids the pitfalls of piecemeal renovations, offering a clear layout and genuine interior coherence.
The Saint-Georges neighborhood, with its neoclassical atmosphere and 19th-century artistic heritage, seems to have inspired this approach. The apartment fits into this Parisian tradition, blending sophisticated urban décor with meaningful contemporary use.
The elegance of oak as a unifying theme
Oak wood runs through every space, serving as a unifying thread that guides the visitor’s journey. The integration of structural panels helps define the spaces and frame the perspectives, eliminating any risk of visual fragmentation. On the floor, a light-colored, uniform Hungarian-patterned parquet anchors the aesthetic of the different levels. For the architects, the challenge lay in creating a harmonious unity free from any sense of monotony.
While this guiding principle borders on minimalism, it by no means excludes nuance. In the living room, the warm tones of the wood intensify to create a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen, meanwhile, takes on a more opulent style: walnut wood, a deep ruby-red wall, and subtle touches of marble. The effect is meant to be enveloping and highly staged, while maintaining a continuous dialogue with the rest of the apartment.
The Kitchen Takes Center Stage
The kitchen perfectly embodies the spirit of the space. Long relegated to the background, it asserts itself here as a centerpiece, open both to the fluidity of daily life and to moments of entertaining. The bold combination of walnut, mineral stone, and a ruby hue lends it undeniable presence, all while maintaining absolute balance. The architectural approach remains restrained, prioritizing refinement over flashiness—a highly demanding feat.
Through this project, the Hauvette and Madani studio demonstrates a sophisticated approach to interior design: enhancing materials, upholding aesthetic rigor, and creating fluid circulation rather than imposing an ostentatious signature. The result transcends mere decoration to choreograph the rhythms of daily life. It offers a spacious and eminently functional living environment, where elegance and practicality coexist without the slightest compromise.